Democratic Habits in the Art Classroom: Supporting Student Voice, Choice, and Community

This book explores how K–12 art educators can engage students to develop democratic habits through case studies and real-world examples. It emphasizes the importance of art education as a bastion of freedom in public education, where students and teachers can think and act collaboratively and critically.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

This comprehensive volume delves into the effective strategies employed by K–12 art educators to foster democratic habits among students. The contributors present compelling case studies based on their own action research conducted within their master's in arts education programs. The text is organized into three sections, each corresponding to the habits that the author-teachers cultivated in their classrooms: choice, voice, and caring for community. Each author offers practical examples that not only enhance art skills but also promote the development of essential qualities and behaviors that enable individuals to make meaningful contributions to the world. Through their narratives, readers gain insights into the transformative power of art education as a bastion of freedom within public education. It highlights the importance of collaborative thinking and critical inquiry, allowing students and teachers to engage in meaningful dialogue and problem-solving. The book showcases the voices of art educators from diverse backgrounds, spanning from elementary to high school and from rural to urban communities. The contributors, including Elizabeth Bloomberg, Jeffery Rufus Byrd, Ashley Cardamone, Kathryn Christensen, Michelle Cox, Jodi Fenton, Samantha Goss, Maddison Maddock, Wendy Miller, Sandra Nyberg, Lauren Roush, Elizabeth Sutton, and Heather Walker, share their experiences and insights, contributing to a rich tapestry of teaching practices. By exploring these diverse perspectives, the book provides valuable insights and practical models for educators seeking to empower their students and create a more inclusive and democratic learning environment.

Dimension: 235 x 162 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807769010