Museum of Fine Arts Boston Thinking through Art Pilot Program Study
link coming soon
Fall 96-Spring 97
Principal Researcher: Abigail Housen
Senior Research Associate: Karin DeSantis
Treatment: Visual Thinking Strategies Starter Lessons
Assessment tools: Biannual Aesthetic Development Interviews, questionnaires, content questions, Material Object interviews, writing samples, teacher logs; videotapes, observations
Subjects: 30 Experimental 5th grade students
30 Control 5th grade students Total Subjects: 60
Findings:
The program was effective with students across a wide range of learning abilities. Participating classes included those designated as advanced work, inclusion, self-contained special needs and bilingual in addition to non-designated classrooms. Evidence of students applying skills developed in the VTS lessons was found in ADIs and writing assignments. These showed increases in observation and communication skills.
Site Coordinators: Margaret Burchenal, Diane Jaquith
link to 16 Mus Fine Arts TTArt 1997-98)