In this thesis, I reflect upon an art educator’s experience teaching boys and developing an art curriculum with a boy focused framework. Two comprehensive units on monsters are included along with research on teaching boys and choice based practices in the art classroom. I also reflect on the creative process of lesson planning with the needs of male learners in mind.

This study investigated using literature as an alternative means to teach the art curriculum. Three widely used integrated curriculum models (Reading Improvement Through Art, Learning Through the Arts, and Champions of Change) were studied and analyzed in search of the best features for art-literature integration. A new curriculum is developed for two different grades using the Fulton County Elementary Art Education Curriculum standards as the foundation. This study used picture books as the catalyst to create an art-literature curriculum.

This research investigated the national interests of art education in public schools during the period surrounding the Second World War (1941–1946). Art education materials written for students and teachers during these years were examined in this study and provide a look at classroom projects and educational teachings supportive of the war effort. This perspective of promoting nationalism is based on a review of printed art education journals, curriculum guides, and books related to the subject of educational themes in public schools during World War II. These published materials presented a practical way for educators, and in this research, art educators, to build a sense of nationalism throughout the country and for teachers and students to support the war effort from their classrooms. / text

The purpose of this study is to explore the South Korean art education system in the context of history, culture and politics. This thesis provides further explanation on how history has impacted the South Korean art education system and affects current curriculum, theories and practices. Four highly qualified educators and professors from South Korea were interviewed to collect date relating to current practices in South Korean art education. The study focuses on Korean history, which affected the education policies, social perspective, art education theories and curriculum. This study also highlights the relationship of western art education theories and the traditional Korean theories. Understanding culture through history and policies can provide in-depth perspective on why and how South Korean art education has evolved to what it is today. This information may assist art teachers as they modify lessons to fit the needs of students who are immigrating from South Korea.

The purpose of this document is to design and record a Kindergarten visual arts unit using the Activboard to determine how student achievement, motivation, and interest are impacted. Methods of data collection include both observational recording and student interviews. The Activboard facilitates a highly interactive study of the art curriculum and data collected throughout the unit indicates a positive impact on student achievement, motivation, and interest.

This thesis addresses why a comprehensive art education curriculum needs to merge with visual culture in order to better serve current elementary students today. The review of literature supports this theory and proves that the two approaches work together to make learning relevant and effective. The units of study provided make up a guideline that show teachers how to include visual culture into the current comprehensive art education structure. This allows students to bring their own ideas and experiences into the classroom, and results in making the visual arts more personal. Following this curriculum will help students own their education and ultimately gain higher level thinking and learning in the visual arts as well as other subject areas.

This study investigated using literature as an alternative means to teach the art curriculum. Three widely used integrated curriculum models (Reading Improvement Through Art, Learning Through the Arts, and Champions of Change) were studied and analyzed in search of the best features for art-literature integration. A new curriculum is developed for two different grades using the Fulton County Elementary Art Education Curriculum standards as the foundation. This study used picture books as the catalyst to create an art-literature curriculum.

abstract: This study examines the possibility of using social and historical contexts, image analysis, and personal themes to engage adolescent photography students in the craft of photography. This new curriculum was designed around large themes that correspond to the developmental stage of adolescence. Issues such as self-identity, teenage stereotypes, school, family, and community were explored through examining historical documents and photographs, comparing popular culture perspectives, and learning basic semiotics. The students then worked within these ideas by creating their own photographs and reflecting upon their art making choices. The new approach was implemented in an analog film class in which basic 35mm camera and film techniques are taught. It is argued that meaning making motivates the adolescent photographer rather than the achievement of strong technical skills. This qualitative study was conducted using an action research approach, in which the author was both the classroom teacher and the researcher. The study incorporates data collected from student-created photographs, student written responses, interviews of students, interviews of photography teachers, and the researcher's field notes. Major themes were discovered over time by applying a grounded theory approach to understanding the data. The curriculum brought a new level of student engagement, both in participation in the course and in the complexity of their image making. By incorporating the chosen topics, students' images were rich with personal meaning. Students retained concepts of historical and social uses for photography and demonstrated a base understanding of semiotic theory. Furthermore, the data points to a stronger sense of community and teacher-student relationships within the classroom. The researcher argues that this deeper rapport is due to the concentration on personal themes within the practice of photography. Setbacks within the study included censorship by the school of mature subjects, a limited amount of equipment, and a limited amount of time with the students. This study demonstrates the need for art curriculum to provide connections between visual art, interdisciplinary associations, students' level of development, and students' personal interests. The research provides a possible approach to redesigning curriculum for photography courses for the twenty-first century student. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Art 2011

abstract: In contemporary society, educators teach adolescent students about the importance of developmental growth. This growth transitions into leadership, which prepares youth to collaborate with adults in a working environment. Additionally, youth mural programs generate leadership skills, yet not many art educators are using mural projects as a means to develop leadership in their students. This study explored the connection between working collaboratively on a mural project and the impact it had on leadership traits and skills in adolescent girls. I created an action research project in conjunction with Girl Scouts to encourage a group of girls while creating a mural. The mural project took place at an Arizona Girl Scout resident camp for a total of 11 days. Seven participants between the ages of 14-17 engaged in planning and executing a tile mosaic mural. The image they created remains as a permanent mural for the camp. Qualitative data includes responses to reflection questions and observations. Quantitative data consist of self-reported questionnaire scores before and after the mural project. The data is analyzed to understand if there was a difference in leadership traits and skills before and after instruction. Data is also used to see which leadership traits and/ or skills, if any, were impacted. Findings in the study reveal differences in leadership skills before and after instruction. However, there was not a significant impact to leadership traits. Specific skills that improved include those that involve communication and working with others. I conclude that adolescent girls became more aware of communicating effectively, adapting ideas to others, and working with others after they finished the mural. Additionally participants were more open to sharing thoughts near the end of the project than at the start. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Art 2014

abstract: Art museums are institutions with a mission to not only preserve art and culture for the public, but to provide visitors with an educational experience. This qualitative case study includes three art museums in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area: a university art museum, a large public museum in Downtown Phoenix, and a contemporary art museum in the city of Scottsdale. This research study sought to identify the ways in which eight art museum employees from the education and administration departments identify their institutions as educational. Data was collected and analyzed through the methods of direct observations and field notes, one-on-one interviews, and photographs of educational programming. After examining these art museums and conducting eight interviews, a description of each observation is displayed using examples of photographs and field notes. Although findings suggest a variety of educational programs for a range of visitors in each institution, all three museums offered comparable programs, activities, and events. This research study revealed similar ideas, themes, and perspectives between art museum educators and administrators. Findings indicate the importance of collaboration between both museum departments in order to ensure the success of their museums. All eight participants in the study had a passion for art and art museums as well as visitor education. Additionally, participants had concurrent thoughts in their interviews regarding concepts of educational programming, cultural diversity approaches, art museum fundamental roles, and overall educational goals. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Art 2018