ERIC Number: EJ974438
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Mar
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0004-3125
EISSN: N/A
Interdisciplinary Study: Research as Part of Artmaking
Eubanks, Paula
Art Education, v65 n2 p48-53 Mar 2012
As education budgets shrink, art teachers need to find ways to position the study of art closer to mainstream academics by exploring concepts that cut across disciplinary boundaries. Art teachers can challenge students to do serious and thorough research about subject matter partnering with teachers in other areas to select subject matter that is already part of the curriculum or go beyond it for extra credit. Supported by at least two teachers, the students gather both visual and verbal information and make art that is based on a solid grasp of both facts and underlying concepts or big ideas embedded in the research. Any art teacher who strives to link artmaking to the lives and interests of students understands the importance of personal connections. By positioning the study of art alongside mainstream academics, art teachers can partner with teachers in other areas to explore subject matter that is already part of the curriculum, and even expand beyond it. The author discusses how two artists integrated a model for interdisciplinary study with unifying themes in which visual art is the expression of ideas supported by solid research and, conversely, the research is extended by the artmaking. The author shows how research fits into the creative process for the artists, considers some art historical precedents, explores how two artists and a scientist integrate research in other fields with art, and discusses classroom application.
Descriptors: Creativity, Artists, Art Teachers, Interdisciplinary Approach, Art Education, Student Interests, Educational Strategies, Models, Thematic Approach, History, Scientists, Teaching Methods, Role Models
National Art Education Association. 1916 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 703-860-8000; Fax: 703-860-2960; Web site: http://www.arteducators.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A