Utilizes a 17th-century Italian sculpture and an African fetish figure to illustrate essential qualities and characteristics of figurative sculpture. Points out the extreme differences and the many similarities between the two and offers explanations. Includes a process for leading students through "reading" the sculptures. (MJP)

Explains how elementary students learned art criticism by acquiring a collection of miniature reproductions of artworks, which the students critiqued. Describes how the art specialist worked with the classroom teacher to direct writing activities. Comments on how the teacher managed to acquire the miniature reproduction of artwork. (KM)

Criticizes the traditional approach to art education that emphasizes formal properties such as line, color, and shape. Proposes that teachers develop student abilities to go beyond the visual level of artworks and gain access to the complexity of meanings that art possesses. Includes contemporary art examples and corresponding analyses. (MJP)

Outlines difficulties of introducing art critiques in the elementary classroom. Recounts how problems were overcome by providing focus and allowing students to decide which classmates should critique their work. Provides a structure for critiquing art that builds verbal and analytical skills as students proceed from kindergarten to grade six. (KM)

Asserts that traditional approaches to art education ignore such issues as the effect of the social and political environment on the production of art, and the influence of the marketplace. Contrasts the views of working artists and art educators on a set of broad issues including media and technology. (MJP)

Advocates reconceptualizing visual arts as a core subject embodying key elements of experiential learning and critical thinking through an interdisciplinary approach. Illustrates this approach with a discussion of the interconnected issues surrounding family snapshots (social history, aesthetics, technological advancement). Discusses issues of…

Examines the complex interactive set of conditions that influence artistic production and frame the way interpretations are constructed. Uses a software system to index qualitative material (interview transcripts, field notes, reviews, and commentary) and analyzes this material in terms of emerging themes. Includes comments from the artists. (MJP)

Presents the Aesthetic Journal for junior high school art students. Designed to increase aesthetic perception, art history knowledge, and art vocabulary, the journal also helps students independently respond to artworks without peer influence. Outlines journal assignments and guidelines for students and teachers. Includes sample entries from…