Exploring Visual Art Students' Balanced and Successful Thinking in Project-Based Learning Environments

• In Event: 15.060 - MTCC Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: 15.060-10 - Elliot Eisner SIG Roundtable

Abstract

This paper reports on an approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) study, “An Exploratory Study of Students Balanced and Successful Thinking in Project-based Learning Environments.” As a Mixed Model study, qualitative and quantitative data bridge methodological divides to explore the pedagogical, curricular, and environmental factors that support visual art students' balanced intelligence and dispositions in a public magnet high school that highlights project-based learning. A pre-tested matrix of assessments designed to support complex intelligence theories indicated statistically positive benefits of more learner-centered classrooms on students’ critical and creative thinking skills, especially students of color. Qualitative data suggest that students who possess more balanced thinking skills and dispositions are more confident learners, consistent with the researcher’s former findings.

Author

• Delane Ingalls Vanada, University of Florida & Boston University