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The effect of a multicultural art program on students' art appreciation and attitudes towards other cultures

University of British Columbia

The purpose of this research study was threefold: to determine if a multicultural art program would have a positive effect on students' appreciation of their own art work, art from other cultures and attitudes towards other cultures. The program supported a multicultural view of art which emphasized the cultural similarities and values which were common to all students. A nonequivalent control-group design was used within a quasi-experimental framework. One grade eight class participated in the Multicultural Program while the other served as the control group. Both classes were pre- and posttested with the Borgardus Social Distance Scale and a Cultural Appreciation Measure to determine if there was an attitude or appreciation change as a result of the treatment. Student journals and a Journal Posttest also provided data for analysis and reflection. No significant statistical differences were found between experimental and control groups on the pre- and posttest. However, student journals and the Journal Posttest provided data to indicate a significant positive change in students' attitudes towards their own art and the art of other cultures. This was complemented by the researcher's journal which described the classroom proceedings. The results from the journals and the Journal Posttest indicate that teaching art through a multicultural perspective, which emphasizes the similarities across cultures, can change attitudes about art.

Text

2011-02-14

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/31289

Art Education

University of British Columbia

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