Evaluation of Art Curriculum in Elementary Schools through Educational Connoisseurship and Criticism

This study was conducted to evaluate the art curriculum in elementary schools through educational connoisseurship and criticism. Two elementary schools in Malaayer were selected, one with male and the other with female students, and their physical atmosphere, as well as that of the art classes, were observed and art teachers and students were interviewed in 35 sessions. Furthermore, documents related to the art curriculum were also utilized. The findings indicate that the physical atmosphere of the schools is not appropriate enough to satisfactorily help with the development of esthetic potentials of the students. Although there is a course designated for teaching the arts within the curriculum, in practice the art period is used for teaching other subjects. The only areas that are covered in art classes are drawing and handicrafts mainly through lectures. In evaluating the student art activities, individual differences are overlooked as are various methods and instruments of measurement. Considering the shortage of well-trained art teachers, it is necessary to offer courses in teaching of the arts in teacher training center and colleges of education.