For many artists, visual representation begins with the creative exploration of real and personal experiences. The primary challenge in creating such introspective works is maintaining the ability to connect with a broader audience. For high school students specifically, tremendous pride manifests in the creation of artistic works that represent…

Sometimes looking at the history of education can be a bit frustrating. Examination of the past is necessary, however, if people are to move forward responsibly for the sake of the child. In this article, the author examines the common ancestry of the kindergarten, art, and nature study. As the founder of the kindergarten, Friedrich Froebel played…

The arts embody "one of the oldest forms of knowledge and knowing" and "action research provides opportunities to experiment with art as an integral part of the creation and dissemination of knowledge." From his 16 years' experience as an elementary classroom teacher, the author has found that young children are drawn to an arts-based approach of…

For the last decade Michelle Kamhi has been prominent in her critique of contemporary art education. In her philosophy she positions herself as an essentialist who believes there are essential masterworks that define fine art, and the curriculum in art should teach fine art only. Her definition of fine art focuses on representation in painting and…

Collecting and placing images/objects of inspiration and personal significance is not an uncommon practice for studio artists. Washington based mixed-media/installation artist Renee Stout draws from the collections she displays in her studio and in her home. She is an avid collector of various objects, including vintage perfumes, West African…

In this article, the author presents her list of top 10 museum education myths. In so doing she also hopes to "demythtify" these aspects of the field. While the focus of the list is art museum education, art educators in schools and community sites will likely find that several of the myths resonate with their practice. (Contains 1 endnote.)

The metaphor of "art waitressing" is a valuable tool for educators who seek guidance in enacting many of the new roles in museums, particularly the role of facilitator in an open-ended interactive gallery. Though this metaphor provides a valuable model for engaging visitors, the question quickly arises of how educators can go beyond "serving" an…

Children and burgeoning adolescents' creativity blossom in play-based environments. Likewise, students as active social agents have the opportunity to examine the structures and processes that shape them. The photographic image intimates an aura of credibility, providing the students pause to reflect upon their socialized interactions. These…

Many airports have transformed empty waiting spaces into mini malls, children's play areas, and displays of beautiful art, making a long wait a bit more pleasant. For the modern airport, showcasing art has become an important component, with perks including a built-in global audience, as well as the vast spaces of modern architecture. For the art…

Objects of material culture are not always those items most commonly explored in the art classroom, and are, instead, the frequently overlooked things in people's everyday world. They are the items people collect in their homes, carry with them in backpacks, purses, and pockets, and stow on shelves in the back of closets--often the things they…

This first written assignment of the semester for the author's undergraduate introductory art history class--an essay where students describe and reflect upon the significance of a family heirloom--is instrumental in meeting class objectives. The author's objectives in this class are for students: (1) to broaden their conception of what art is…

This article provides commentary on the role of education in recent provincial elections across the country, from the perspective of four provincial school board associations.

Politically Correct or "PC" thinking is a potent force, operating at all levels of education in the U.S. Even preschool play is not immune from censorship of traditional tunes and gender-specific toys. From super-heroes to imaginary shoot-outs, from holiday celebrations to board games, teachers run the risk of offending colleagues and parents.…

Today, education systems need to enable people to become lifelong learners, to manage complex ways of thinking and complex ways of working that computers can't take over easily. The task for educators and policy makers is to ensure that countries rise to this challenge. High performing education systems like Finland's and Singapore's tend to…

Made up of rectangular boxes aligned on rectangular sheets of paper, the hallmark of the report card is the list of grades. Numbers or letters are intended to represent the achievement of a young person, who too often sits at a rectangular desk in a rectangular room, and provides evidence of learning by making pencil scrapings upon rectangular…