The paper reflects upon the tools, approaches and applications of visual literacy in the Visual Arts Department of Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria. The objective of the discourse is to examine how the visual arts training and practice equip students with skills in visual literacy through methods of production, materials and…

The arts disciplines (visual arts, music, theatre, and dance) merit and require formal study. Policy makers should support studies in the arts as core disciplines, as specified in the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)," the federal legislation that sets policy and appropriations for public education. The arts merit and…

This paper discusses current changes in the teaching and learning of artistic rendering in light of technological advances that may cause teachers to rethink both what is taught, and the manner in which the results of the artistic process are valued and evaluated. The two methods of generating a photorealistic computer image are described,…

Visual thinking is composed of three activities: idea-sketching, seeing, and imagining. This book suggests ways that people whose usual way of thinking is in words can turn to a new mode of thinking; preparations for it, including materials, environmental conditions, and an inner state of relaxed awareness; seeing; imagining; and idea-sketching…

This handbook, written for teachers, art teachers, and parents of young children, describes actual elementary school classroom experiences. Each anecdote is juxtaposed with a simple explanation of its philosophical and psychological rationale. Symbolic representation of the environment through art making is seen as a natural language, a…

Beginning with a discussion of the functions of art, the author traces the various connections between visual forms and the personal, social, and physical dimensions of everyday life. These are examined in the light of the impact art has on psychological expression, social description, the communication of ideology, the design of useful objects,…

Using the resources in this curriculum guide, teachers will be able to develop highly individualized programs of studio experiences that will meet the needs of interested students at all levels of secondary education. The guide suggests that students have direct contact with the various forms, dimensions, and media of the visual and plastic arts.…

Provides an example of a discipline-based art lesson which interrelates the content areas of visual analysis, art production, and critical/historical analysis in a strategy employing interlocking imagery. Describes the model used for such lessons by the Getty Institute for the Education in the Visual Arts. (AEM)

Outlines difficulties of introducing art critiques in the elementary classroom. Recounts how problems were overcome by providing focus and allowing students to decide which classmates should critique their work. Provides a structure for critiquing art that builds verbal and analytical skills as students proceed from kindergarten to grade six. (KM)

Asserts that traditional approaches to art education ignore such issues as the effect of the social and political environment on the production of art, and the influence of the marketplace. Contrasts the views of working artists and art educators on a set of broad issues including media and technology. (MJP)

Provides a sculpture analysis lesson on aesthetic scanning designed to avoid the monotony of step-by-step discussion of sensory, formal, technical, and expressive properties of works of art. Offers four questions on sculpture analysis. Concludes that variety in aesthetic scanning is essential to keep both students and teachers motivated. (KM)

This document gives anecdotal stories of child art making along with philosophical interpretations for art teaching application. Art making is seen as experimental. It progresses from action to intentional mark making, naming, symbolic representation, and finally to "presence", an aesthetic creation experience that combines seeing and…

This anthology focuses on the earliest art expressions, experiences and encounters of young children in the educational setting. The 21 chapters include: (1) "The Visual Arts and Early Childhood Learning: Changing Contexts and Concepts" (Christine Marme Thompson); (2) "The Narrative Quality of Young Children's Art" (Marilyn Zurmuehlen; Larry…

Harvard Project Zero provides a series of technical research reports which study artistic creation and comprehension as a means toward better art education. The emphasis of the research is to improve art education through a better psychological understanding of symbol systems and media of art and through better understanding of the perceptual,…

Advocates reconceptualizing visual arts as a core subject embodying key elements of experiential learning and critical thinking through an interdisciplinary approach. Illustrates this approach with a discussion of the interconnected issues surrounding family snapshots (social history, aesthetics, technological advancement). Discusses issues of…