Modern visual arts education has shifted from technical training to cultivating aesthetic literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This study integrates design thinking (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test) into the junior high school visual arts curriculum to explore social and cultural contexts through public art. However, the fragmented introduction of public art in Taiwan’s curriculum limits students’ understanding of its social impact. This study aims to supplement the deficiencies in teaching materials and explore the possible impact of curriculum design on student learning.

This study adopted the action research method. The research subjects were junior high school students in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The course lasted for eight weeks. The researcher implemented the course design and teaching, and conducted teaching and research through a cycle of planning, action, observation and reflection. Data collection included class recordings, teaching logs, co-teacher feedback, student work, and triangulation analysis to ensure research reliability and results. The course design is divided into four stages: introduction to public art, public art creation practice, art display and reflection, and cultural integration and commentary.

The research results will present the diverse performance of students in public art learning and explore how design thinking affects students' creativity and problem-solving process. This study will provide new directions and thinking for teachers, students and teaching materials development, and further promote the practice and innovation of visual arts education.

Authors:
YuRui Liu, National Taiwan University of Arts, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Liu Yu Rui, a junior high school visual arts teacher in Taiwan with four years of arts education experience, focuses on fostering creativity and critical thinking. Currently pursuing graduate studies at NTUA, I’m researching innovative strategies to enhance student engagement and address real-world educational challenges.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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