The 4 C’s

Philosophy
An Approach to Teaching Art Education
By Mckenna Schley

01 COMPREHENSIVE
WHAT IT MEANS: Comprehensive theory in teaching provides a well-rounded
understanding of the visual arts through a holistic approach. It encompasses
various aspects of art learning, including studio practice, art history, aesthetics,
and art criticism. It provides students with opportunities to develop their artistic
skills, creativity, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
HOW TO TEACH IT: Teaching comprehensive theory in art involves integrating it
through a combination of DBAE, cross-disciplinary incorporation, and visual culture
that guide educators in creating effective learning environments.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT: Comprehensive teaching addresses the diverse needs of
students effectively by integrating various learning theories, instructional
strategies, and assessment practices. It enhances teaching effectiveness and
prepares learners for success in a diverse world through engaging learning
environments and continuous professional development.

02 CONSTRUCTIVIST
WHAT IT MEANS: Constructivism is a learning theory that suggests individuals
learn by actively engaging with their environment and building upon their existing
knowledge, scaffolding, and experiences through exploration and reflection.
Constructivism emphasizes thinking, analyzing, understanding, and applying.
HOW TO TEACH IT: Teaching constructivism in an art classroom involves using
real-life examples and tasks to make learning relevant to students, exploring
connections between art and other subjects, guiding students as facilitators rather
than lecturers, and providing differentiation for students that need modifications
to the lesson.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT: Constructivism is crucial in art classrooms because it
encourages active learning, personalized instruction, critical thinking, creativity,
and collaboration among students. This approach empowers students to explore
their creativity, develop their art skills, and express themselves in unique ways.

03 CONTEMPORARY
WHAT IT MEANS: Contemporary art is talking and incorporating things that are in
the present, especially through visual culture. Contemporary art is always
changing, and Art Education must reflect the new and upcoming artistic trends,
styles, and techniques.
HOW TO TEACH IT: Providing opportunities for our students to explore modern art
through contemporary art museums, artist studies, and projects. Students should
be given the freedom of expression and utilize the power of art criticism when
creating and analyzing works of art.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT: Contemporary Art is important because it brings
recognition to current art and artists. Contemporary art is a way to highlight our
society, identity, community, technological advancements, and culture through
works of art. Contemporary art is unique as is it encompasses artist’s works and
styles across the world and is contributed to by every artist of today.

04 CRITICAL
WHAT IT MEANS: Critical theory is an interdisciplinary field of study that involves
visual art in relation to culture, media, and power in society. It encourages
educators and students to analyze how social, economic, and cultural factors
influence art education policies, curriculum development, teaching practices, and
the socio-political and cultural aspects of art education practices.
HOW TO TEACH IT: Teaching critical theory in the art classroom involves
questioning how social, political, and cultural factors shape art. Through
discussions, writing, and activities, educators empower students to challenge
norms and advocate for social justice, fostering a deeper understanding of art's
role in society and encouraging positive change.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT: Critical theory in art education is important as it equips
students with the ability to analyze art within broader social, political, and cultural
contexts. It fosters critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, empowering
students to challenge stereotypes and advocate for social justice.