Abstract
The project aims to re-evaluate the relevance and application of John Dewey’s aesthetic theory of “learning by doing” in local context, in particular the enhancement of direct experience in visual arts education. It is especially important as students are exposed to more advanced study in visual arts, both in breadth and depth. Such experience differs from traditional fine art education, which requires an art academy and its staff to have a fresh eye on visual arts and its education.
According to Freedman (2003), art education has historically been based on the concept of fine art, such as the skills and production of art, history, criticism and aesthetic, making the approach to curriculum an “academic” one, as “formal and technical qualities are considered to be the most important connecting concepts between art objects” (p.18). Efland (2007) further discussed the role of fine arts in contemporary education, and that the task educators pursue is not to teach fine arts in its own remote and separate way, but “. . .to help students become critically attentive to the cultural meanings that images convey for the purpose of understanding society and culture. . .” (p.41). Thus, the everyday life, meanings, context and exploration of different mediums are emphasized in visual arts education rather than purely pursuing skills or techniques as in fine art education.
According to Freedman (2003), art education has historically been based on the concept of fine art, such as the skills and production of art, history, criticism and aesthetic, making the approach to curriculum an “academic” one, as “formal and technical qualities are considered to be the most important connecting concepts between art objects” (p.18). Efland (2007) further discussed the role of fine arts in contemporary education, and that the task educators pursue is not to teach fine arts in its own remote and separate way, but “. . .to help students become critically attentive to the cultural meanings that images convey for the purpose of understanding society and culture. . .” (p.41). Thus, the everyday life, meanings, context and exploration of different mediums are emphasized in visual arts education rather than purely pursuing skills or techniques as in fine art education.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Studies on Teaching and Learning |
| Editors | Atara Sivan, Dennis Wai Keung Chan, Eva Y W Wong |
| Place of Publication | Hong Kong |
| Publisher | Pearson Education Asia |
| Chapter | 11 |
| Pages | 131-142 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Volume | 3 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9789882324121 |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2014 |
User-Defined Keywords
- Dewey
- Aesthetic experience
- Painting
- Tertiary education
