Arts Integration in the Social Studies: Research and Perspectives from the Field

Authors

Julie Anne Taylor, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Timothy Monck, University Preparatory Academy in Detroit
Sanaa Ayoub, Fordson High School, Dearborn MI

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Teaching with primary sources has long been recognized as a vital practice, yet only recently have the educational merits of arts integration come under examination in the social studies. The objective of this study was to examine the use of art by practicing social studies teachers. The findings show that educators are teaching with a variety of art forms with some frequency in instruction, and they view the study of art as having positive effects on students’ motivation and learning. The social studies teachers, who participated in the study by completing surveys, reported that studying images of art improves students’ comprehension of concepts, enhances their understanding of the past, and stimulates dialogue.

Recommended Citation

Taylor, Julie Anne; Monck, Timothy; and Ayoub, Sanaa (2014) "Arts Integration in the Social Studies: Research and Perspectives from the Field," The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies: Vol. 75: No. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://thekeep.eiu.edu/the_councilor/vol75/iss1/5