Assignment Description:
This 15 page research paper should extend a theoretical position articulated in a reading, and utilize an in-‐depth literature review to explore and analyze a question, key concept, historical moment in the Arts Learning Field, or analyze an existing arts education organization or program according to best practices. The analysis should be grounded in the articles or approaches we study in class, from the reading list, or a published scholarly articles or books. Students must clearly state a research question, which is explored in the paper, provide examples in support of assertions, and draw upon publications in established journals, books, and reports. It should clearly state why are you are analyzing this organization, program, concept, or historical period, and contextual it within the arts learning sector.
Abstract
This paper discusses why adult arts education matters, the state of the field including a description of types of programs, and the best practices arts administrators should be adopting to successfully engage adults in arts education. While the declining state of arts education has a huge effect on lifelong arts participation, there is little adult arts education programs that address this problem. Most adult arts education comes from higher education but not everyone can attend universities, while our educational system is often actually negatively affecting adults’ creativity. Other adult arts education include creative aging programming geared towards older adults and participatory arts, designed to widen the general arts audience. However, these programs are not based in best practices for adult education. This paper discusses four key best practices for adult arts education including student-centered curriculum based in life experiences, fostering a sense of shared authority between teachers and students, supporting the freedom to fail and experiment and lastly, providing a second chance at education through reflection.