Early Childhood Education Teachers’ Encounters with Art Presented in Museums and Galleries: Selected Aspects

Abstract

Research objectives, issues or problems: The aim of the research was to ascertain the opinions and efforts of early childhood education teachers in organising children’s encounters with art in museums/galleries. The research question was “what activities do teachers undertake to familiarise students with the art distributed by institutions that provide visual objects of artistic value?”
 Research methods: The study used a diagnostic survey method with a questionnaire aimed at teachers teaching years 1–3 in primary school.
 A short description of the context of the presented issue: Museums, galleries and other such institutions are organisational forms of cultural activity and can be an important element of the classes prepared by teachers to create opportunities for pupils to learn about, experience and value works of art. Children’s contact with works of art in institutions providing objects of artistic value not only awakens their interests, but also encourages them to act creatively, develops their perceptiveness, practices their ability to conduct thorough analyses, express reasoned opinions and pose questions and develops their sensitivity and aesthetic taste.
 Research findings: The results show that although the majority of teachers perceive a very important role of venues promoting art in the process of enriching knowledge and forming attitudes of active consumers among early school-aged children, a large proportion of them still do not sufficiently notice the value and impact of these venues in shaping children’s intellectual interests and personality.
 Conclusions and/or recommendations: In summary, the teacher, carrying out the tasks set out in the curricula and supported by the institutions and the state (e.g. teacher training, free entry for children, online offers sent to schools and temporary exhibitions aimed at young viewers), can additionally implement and/or complement activities to make museum exhibitions attractive and effective for pupils.