The repertory grid is a technique used in psychological and behavioral studies to elicit individuals' personal constructs. This pilot study examined the feasibility of using this technique with young children in early childhood education settings with regard to visual art education, based on the view that listening to, and appreciating children's…

A visual arts group of researchers formed in 1999 to study statistical data from the 1997 [National Assessment of Educational Progress] NAEP Arts, responding to an open invitation at the National Art Education conference in Washington, DC to compete for funding under a secondary analysis grant. The Department of Education funded three…

Describes using a "dialogue of disciplines", a teaching method which traces a particular theme across artistic disciplines, to present Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" in a comprehensive way. Suggests that exposing students to paintings, films, stage performances, and operas creates a multidimensional experience and…

Environmental education is enhanced through day-long field trips that integrate children's literature, science, environmental awareness, and sketching. Literature sets the context of the learning, and sketching encourages children to carefully observe a natural area. After the field trip, children create community displays featuring writing and…

Examines what the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) can learn about educational policy from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Lists similarities and differences between the two agencies' commitment and approach to education. Discusses the role of the Department of Education and makes policy recommendations for the NEA. (KM)

Reviews some of the author's own mistakes and successes to help guide other writers and teachers interested in projects in which they collaborate with a visual artist to improve students' writing skills and visual art ability. (MG)

Discusses the visual arts in relation to cultural literacy. Agrees with E. D. Hirsch that even a superficial acquaintance with certain things can enhance understanding of many others. Propounds upon the general education of undergraduates. Considers what the goal of cultural literacy means for elementary, secondary, and college curricula. (KM)

Describes different theories of art and how they disagree on the question of the way that artworks relate to the circumstance of their origins and use. Discusses how these circumstances influence the way one thinks about artworks. Considers where E. D. Hirsch's ideas on cultural literacy fit into this aesthetic controversy. (KM)

Describes objects from everyday life and analyzes artworks by four contemporary artists whose works make use of familiar objects (Louise Nevelson, Claes Oldenburg, Mitchell Syrop, and Betye Sarr). Divides lesson into four steps: (1) discussing everyday objects; (2) viewing artworks; (3) studying artists; and (4) class activities related to the…

Offers a lesson that introduces students in grades seven-nine to a contemporary object which questions the definitions of furniture, painting, and sculpture. Shows how Rodney Alan Greenblat draws upon childhood memories for creative inspiration. Calls for students to produce an art piece that works as painting, furniture, and sculpture. (LS)

Proposed is an activity designed to teach the similarities and differences between artistic and scientific vision. Objectives, materials, procedures and follow-up activities are listed. Preliminary activities in physical science and earth science are suggested. (CW)

Discusses an international art exchange project designed to teach fifth-grade students that the culture of a country is reflected in its art and that art is a universal language. Describes the contributions from Scotland, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Japan, and India. Points out ways to use materials in schools. (KO)

Reports on the beginnings of visual representation in early childhood by using longitudinal studies in both London, England and Singapore. Finds evidence to support the theory that underlying children's use and organization of visual media are certain robust forms of behavior, or deep structures. (CFR)

Maintains that assessment in the arts often is avoided in the early childhood years because it appears to be incompatible with a child-centered philosophy. Asserts that reflective assessment procedures can inform early childhood teachers about instruction in arts education. (CFR)

Provides four sample activities and illustrations to develop students' perceptual skills. Seeks to help teach students that (1) understanding art takes time and effort; (2) personal reactions are important; (3) understanding the culture in which artworks are created is useful; and (4) many different approaches are available for understanding art.…