Discusses the educational applications of experimental psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's theory of peak experience, or optimal flow. Optimal flow refers to the receptive state people achieve when they are engaged in interesting and challenging activity. Includes an insightful critique of multimedia instruction from this perspective. (MJP)

Outlines Chinese educational policy and principles regarding art education. Lists the officially sanctioned content of art education concerning art appreciation, painting, and arts and crafts. Briefly discusses the training of art teachers and the allocation of teaching materials. (MJP)

Highlights some of the fundamental differences between positivistic and qualitative research methods regarding art education. Defends qualitative research and argues that applying natural science research principles to human endeavors is often futile. Discusses the special problems and advantages of qualitative research. (MJP)

Presents a fascinating history of the only remaining Australian college solely devoted to art education. Traces the development of the school from its early days as a technical college to its current incarnation. Discusses many of the personalities and conflicts involved in the restructuring. (MJP)

Determines the extent to which Asian art is represented in Australian secondary art education. Surveys and discusses art appreciation classes, art education curricula, teacher education programs, and the Artists in Schools program. Maintains that although some progress has been made, Asian art is still underrepresented. (MJP)

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…

Describes a Victoria University (Australia) program that combines art history, computer graphics, and studio practice. Discusses the social applications of technology, the creation and manipulation of computer imagery, and the ways that these impact traditional concepts of art. The program has proven particularly successful with female students.…

Discusses two issues central to ethnographic research, representation of truth and confidentiality, and how they relate to art education research. Notes that in art education areas of expertise between researcher and subject often overlap. Concludes that ethical considerations are guided by compassion and understanding rather than formula. (MJP)

Presents a qualitative study of the sociocultural teaching and learning system involved in an introductory direct metal-sculpture studio class. Discusses the cognitive, affective, and physical processes that take place through the social exploration of material, form, and concepts. Includes a graphic model of the learning process. (MJP)

Utilizes a phenomenographic (study of the world as it is conceptualized) qualitative study to ascertain art teachers' attitudes towards teaching art criticism. Categorizes six conceptions of teaching art criticism and includes a description and interpretation of each. Discusses the limitations of these approaches and the implications for teacher…

Profiles the career and contributions of English art teacher Marion Richardson (1892-1946). A dynamic and assertive woman, Richardson's ideas and practices changed British primary and secondary art teaching for many years. She often used "word pictures" (narrative descriptions of scenes or emotions) to inspire her students. (MJP)

Analyzes and compares the art education terms and concepts used to describe the visual properties of art objects to those used in computer graphics. Asserts that such paradigmatic differences exist between traditional design and computer media that a reevaluation of the shared terminology is demanded. (MJP)

Criticizes current art education approaches for favoring context over content. Recommends focusing on the actual production of art rather than educational theories and assessment techniques. Maintains that creative self-expression is linked inextricably to discipline and mastery of technique. (MJP)

Presents the responses to the National Standards for Arts Education from four arts education associations. The associations represented are the National Dance Association, Music Educators National Conference, American Alliance for Theater and Education, and the National Art Education Association. Discusses applications and limitations of the…

Outlines the efforts of the National Endowment for the Arts' Chamber Music Rural Residencies (CMRR) program. The program seeks to educate and develop audiences for classical music in urban and rural areas. Discusses many of the classical orchestras and ensembles that the CMRR supports throughout the country. (MJP)