Arts education: A process approach to the development of pedagogy

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a method for the practice of artistes and arts educators working in schools, which could be taught effectively through in-service education. The approach is based on a study into the creative process of practising artistes which identified key areas and brings these together with the development of reflective practice in education. The six key areas were identified in an earlier study of the creative making process of artistes and common traits which emerged are as follows: free exploration with materials or concepts or ideas; stimulation from external sources; specific skills and techniques; a conducive work environment or context; reflection on the process and presentation. These areas provided the framework for critical analysis throughout the course in terms of developing the process of reflective practice, addressing issues as they arose and developing an intellectual rationale. Artistes and teachers worked together in schools for a day, thus maintaining a classroom focused approach, which aimed to enhance and enrich the arts education of pupils in the schools represented. Through the process of reflection-in-action teachers and artistes were encouraged to theorise from their practice in order that they might develop their pedagogical perspectives of arts education. © 1996 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.