An Analysis of Current Research in Studies in Art Education and the International Journal of Education Through Art

Abstract

In this article, we present an analysis of current art education research published from 2014–2016 in Studies in Art Education and the International Journal of Education Through Art. Focus is on the state of art education research and the National Art Education Association Research Commission’s Research Agenda. We use comparison charts to highlight critical elements of research studies in these two journals. We conclude that both journals present timely and relevant art education research, and we suggest more specific information be integrated into research reports so readers and researchers know more about how inquiries were conducted. Gaps that exist in the literature could be filled with a more balanced reporting of descriptive, experimental, theoretical/paradigm, historical, and philosophical research. More inquiry also is needed that addresses significant topics, through use of rigorous methods, that might inform future development of an articulate policy and practice in art education.