Location
Guzman 111, Dominican University of California
Start Date
4-17-2019 5:20 PM
Student Type
Graduate
Faculty Mentor(s)
Jennifer Lucko, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
There is research on the benefits of art classes beyond being a creative outlet, and it shows that art classes can be a good place to practice being a better citizen. This research shows that art classes teach skills that are beneficial to students in helping them become better citizens and connect with their community; especially when using socially engaging art projects. However, in the research there is a lack of the student view on completing a socially engaged art project and what they learned from it. The purpose of my research was to understand student perception of socially engaged art, as well as the skills learned from art that can help students be socially active in their communities. A mixed methods approach was used in order to have a well-rounded understanding of the students’ views on art classes and completing the SEA project. This included class observations of the three participating classes every day for two and half weeks, survey data before the project, and interviews with twenty-one students and the two teachers. Interviews with those students show that many students were not aware of the potential for art to be a voice for their opinions, and that they were considering how to continue to use their art to speak out for what they believe in. Students also enjoyed doing something that felt like it had a purpose, and many felt that completing the SEA project made them practice real life skills. Evidence from my research and previous research suggests that art classes should implement SEA projects in their curriculum to allow students a chance to practice being a democratic citizen.
Socially Engaged Art Projects with High School Students
Guzman 111, Dominican University of California
There is research on the benefits of art classes beyond being a creative outlet, and it shows that art classes can be a good place to practice being a better citizen. This research shows that art classes teach skills that are beneficial to students in helping them become better citizens and connect with their community; especially when using socially engaging art projects. However, in the research there is a lack of the student view on completing a socially engaged art project and what they learned from it. The purpose of my research was to understand student perception of socially engaged art, as well as the skills learned from art that can help students be socially active in their communities. A mixed methods approach was used in order to have a well-rounded understanding of the students’ views on art classes and completing the SEA project. This included class observations of the three participating classes every day for two and half weeks, survey data before the project, and interviews with twenty-one students and the two teachers. Interviews with those students show that many students were not aware of the potential for art to be a voice for their opinions, and that they were considering how to continue to use their art to speak out for what they believe in. Students also enjoyed doing something that felt like it had a purpose, and many felt that completing the SEA project made them practice real life skills. Evidence from my research and previous research suggests that art classes should implement SEA projects in their curriculum to allow students a chance to practice being a democratic citizen.