Results of an Action Research Plan to Support the Cultural Competence of Teachers and Artists through Aesthetic Education

Brock University Faculty of Education. 500 Glenridge Avenue, Saint Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1 Canada. Tel: 905-688-5550 ext. 3733; e-mail: brocked@brocku.ca; Web site: http://brocked.ed.brocku.ca

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Foreign Countries; Elementary School Teachers; Secondary School Teachers; Artists; Cultural Literacy; Aesthetic Education; Culturally Relevant Education; Professional Development

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One of the two primary skills that are expected of teachers in Quebec is to act as cultural facilitators. This skill is also required for artists who work with teachers and students in cultural activities. However, many teachers and artists feel incompetent in this area. To address this issue, we conducted an action research project to support the cultural competence of teachers and artists through aesthetic education, an approach that aims to promote education in and through the arts. The study involved eight participants, including two teachers and six artists, and aimed to explore how aesthetic education could enhance their professional practice. We gathered data from semi-structured interviews, meeting minutes, logbooks, and activities created by the participants. A qualitative interpretive approach was applied to analyze the collected data. The findings indicate that aesthetic education confirmed and improved their existing practice. They also emphasized the importance of providing experimentation opportunities, time, and guidance to support the cultural competence of both teachers and artists.

As Provided

2024

EJ1433517