Aesthetic scanning: Refining critical thinking through oral language activities

• Main Author: Golledge, Elaine Diana
• Format: Others
• Published: CSUSB ScholarWorks 2007
• Subjects: Critical thinking Study and teaching (Primary) Activity programs; Language arts (Primary); Art Aesthetics Study and teaching (Primary); Teaching Aids and devices; Curriculum planning; Teaching Aids and devices.; Art Education; Reading and Language
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/3231; https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4315&context=etd-project

This study examines the use of aesthetics in the art education curriculum as a strategy for building oral language skills and critical thinking skills. In this study reproduced artworks were used to stimulate discussion; students learned to scan paintings using a technique called aesthetic scanning during which they learn how to look at a painting orally through guided questioning by the classroom teacher. It was concluded that providing oral language opportunities through the implementation of the aesthetic scanning program was an effective way to promote oral language skills and critical thinking skills in the kindergarten classroom. Arts, as a core subject can be taught through Disciplined Based Art Education (DBAE). With DBAE all students are given the oppportunity to actively engage in oral language activites as they aesthetically view works of art.