The importance of aesthetics for curriculum and job readiness: an exploration of student, teacher, and employer perceptions through Appraisal Theory

Abstract

Aesthetics is a broad topic viewed from a number of perspectives. This paper understands aesthetics to involve beauty and design, and it is used to communicate meaning, particularly in multimodal texts. Knowledge of aesthetics is necessary for effective communication both during and post-schooling as many professions use aesthetics in their line of work. Yet very little is known about when and how they are taught in schools despite their inclusion in the curriculum. Using Appraisal Theory as a framework, this paper shares interview and focuses group data from students, teachers, and employers regarding the teaching of aesthetics and their importance for job readiness. Findings from the research showed several themes including the recognition that aesthetics is important, the lack of explicit teaching related to aesthetics, and the implicit knowledge of aesthetics by students, teachers, and employers. The study points to the need for aesthetic literacies to be taught more explicitly in schools. The research is significant as it advances knowledge and understanding related to the learning and teaching of aesthetics for job readiness.