Fostering artists through choice: an approach to middle school visual arts education
Subject
Abstract
Fostering Artists through Choice: An Approach to Middle School Visual Arts Education explores how integrating choice-based visual arts instruction with core principles of Montessori pedagogy can enhance student engagement and autonomy in middle school art classrooms. Grounded in the belief that young adolescents thrive when given meaningful choices in their learning, this thesis examines the intersection of learner-directed artmaking and Montessori’s emphasis on independence, grace and courtesy, and prepared environments. Through a project-based approach, the study culminates in the development of a practical teacher tool designed to support educators in implementing greater student choice within visual arts curricula. This tool aims to empower teachers to create classroom environments that nurture creativity, agency, and sustained artistic inquiry through a series of 21 short video lessons. Ultimately, this work contributes to the growing conversation around student-centered art education and the transformative potential of choice in fostering lifelong artistic engagement.