A Deweyan Model for Studying the Learning of Artistic Techniques: Analyzing Sculptural Expression in Sloyd

• In Event: 28.062 - The Art in Science and the Science in Art

Abstract

This paper brings philosophy to the heartland of empirical educational research. It does so by emphasizing the primacy of social practice in the philosophies of John Dewey to emphasize embodied learning. We believe that if we had a rich theory of embodied learning, we might not need epistemology as traditionally practiced. We are showing that philosophical concepts are capable of guiding empirical educational research by developing a philosophically informed analytical model – Situated Artistic Relation (SAR) – that allows us to empirically study situated artistic expression and aesthetic appreciation that occurs when learning sculptural expression in handicraft education. Our analysis relies on audio-video data from a Swedish study of the compulsory subject Sloyd.

Authors

• Joacim Andersson, Uppsala University

• Jim Garrison, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Leif Olov Ostman, Uppsala university