This edited book not only makes a much-needed contribution to research in arts education but also provides a strong grounding of evidential support for Singapore arts education, in contrast to the current state of affairs in arts education in many parts of the world where severe cuts in funding, lackluster support for the arts and imperialist agendas are pervasive. The case of and for Singapore – presented in this edited book through rich descriptions of the dedicated, contextualized practices of arts educators, artists and researchers – offers readers many valuable lessons and reflections on the continued survival and advancement of arts education.

EDUCATION / Arts in Education

This book presents ground-breaking research on the ways the Arts fosters motivation and engagement in both academic and non-academic domains. It reports on mixed method, international research that investigated how the Arts make a difference in the lives of young people. Drawing on the findings of a longitudinal quantitative study led by the internationally renowned educational psychologist Andrew Martin, the book examines the impact of arts involvement in the academic outcomes of 643 students and reports on the in-depth qualitative research that investigates what constitutes best-practice in learning and teaching in the Arts. The book also examines drama, dance, music, visual arts and film classrooms to construct an understanding of quality pedagogy in these classrooms. With its evidence-based but highly accessible approach, this book will be directly and immediately relevant to those interested in the Arts as a force for change in schooling. How Arts Education Makes a Difference discusses: The Arts Education, Motivation, Engagement and Achievement Research Visual Arts, Drama and Music in Classrooms Technology-mediated Arts Engagement International Perspectives on Arts and Cultural Policies in Education This book is a timely collation of research and experiential findings which support the need to promote arts education in schools worldwide. It will be particularly useful for educationists, researchers in education and arts advocates.

This book examines current context-specific trends and developments in empirical research on arts education and arts in education, in order to evaluate and create responsive approaches to future global challenges. By highlighting the centrality of the arts in advancing future orientations in education, it offers a timely and valuable contribution to educational issues on preparing teachers and learners for the increasingly complex societal dynamics and unpredictable global economy.

This yearbook will be the third in an annual series of publications by the International Network for Research in Arts Education (INREA). It will provide a comprehensive survey of contemporary research trends in arts education and will be based on the idea of constructing knowledge in the arts with the wisdom of the many. About sixty scholars from across the world will convey the zeitgeist of the key issues in research in arts education. The volume will be designed as a basic companion for every researcher, student, teacher or artist who wants to know what the recent knowledge of scholars is and what they consider significant. The key issues will reflect the images and the observations that a large body of researchers consider to be essential.

Based on the authors’ over 30 years of practical research experience, this book shows how situation curriculum design illustrates the new idea of “combining subject curricula with children’s activities.” Particular attention is given to the subject curriculum, activity curriculum and the optimization of the situation. The curriculum is the most important vehicle of children’s learning, and the primary school curriculum is vital to children’s growth. Drawing on detailed case studies, the book highlights how situation curriculum design is currently affecting traditional Chinese primary schools.

This book traces the research on the design, implementation and outcomes of a professional development program for in-service primary and secondary school teachers aimed at enhancing their understanding of living music traditions in Singapore and how these could be taught in the 21st century music classroom. It proposes a professional development framework comprising the areas of Pedagogy, Practice and Perspective to guide professional development design. The book also aims to promote further discussions on adult learning and teaching about teaching, especially with regard to developing self-efficacy to handle different music traditions in a 21st century, multi-ethnic society like Singapore.