Visual art curricula, art teacher goals, and instructional time: Findings from an international survey

Abstract

Abstract This article highlights selected responses from participants in twelve nations to an international survey of art educators posted on the International Society for Education through Art (InSEA) website from January to April 2013. Several themes emerging from this study are: 1) a shift in curricular emphasis from the creation of artworks to the goal of engaging students in creative and critical thinking; 2) problem-solving and design viewed as distinct areas of focus within the art curriculum 3) educational policies shifting some responsibilities from the states to the national level as assessments that promote international comparisons gain influence 4) in curricular groupings of art disciplines, there may be greater opportunities for student growth and teacher collaboration but also questions of time and resources to address and 5) art educators in this study are influenced by standards but are also influenced by the priorities of the educational context in which they teach.