How can teachers develop best practice in art teaching?

This fully updated third edition of Rob Barnes' classic text blends practical ideas with sound principles of art education. Teachers and student teachers will find a range of ideas and tried and tested classroom examples; whilst for those looking for firm principles of art teaching and 'best practice' this book presents many important issues in art education with clarity and insight.

Based on first-hand experience of teaching children, this text uses many examples from early years and primary school contexts, and tackles essential topics with realism and imagination such as:

• developing skills through using media
• how children draw
• encouraging artistic confidence in children
• producing original artwork and making use of digital imagery

Rob Barnes' unique approach encourages teachers to develop and think about art as part of a rich curriculum of learning, highlighting how it shouldn't be taught in isolation but with purposeful links to other areas of the curriculum.

About the Author

Rob Barnes

is an artist printmaker who was previously Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of East Anglia, Norwich.

Reviews

From Amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars the Best book of its kind available in English

By piccola atelierista -

If you are an art educator trying to shape your practice this is the book you need to read. It explains why practicing conscious teaching is the key when trying to make art meaningful not only for children but for other adults. Teaching art has a purpose that is not only a pastime for children and a joyful experience. Besides that, it can also help young children develop certain sensitivities they will use as adults, their perception of the world around them could be different thanks to what they experienced in their art classes. If you are serious about teaching art, read this book.

Elaine Benbow, Senior Lecturer in Education, Manchester Metropolitan University and Director, STAR Project

In my role as lecturer in art education, I have found that previous editions of this book have been very useful for both teachers and trainee teachers. The format is attractive and the text is easy to follow and access as the structure is well thought out. It is a staple on our reading list for both specialist and non specialist primary trainee teachers.

The proposals made by Rob would bring the book up to date. Many schools now use ipads and teachers are getting to grips with apps and software for ipads in art as in other areas of the curriculum. It may need careful writing to avoid being quickly out of date in this chapter as technology changes swiftly.

The audience for this book would continue to be primary teachers and trainee teachers (those following primary and early years BA QTS courses) and would be purchased by individual teachers, university libraries and students. It would most likely be a text included on reading lists for specialist and non specialist primary trainee teachers.

"Rob Barnes [is one of] the best authors on the subject of art education" - Peter Moore, Associate Lecturer (SL) Liverpool Hope University

"Barnes' own enthusiasm for and belief in his subject, interspersed with teachers' comments, a large number of practical teaching suggestions and well-chosen colour plates of children's work, makes the book an engaging and worthwhile read." - Jane Bower, Early Years

"This is an excellent publication. It addresses the problems of teaching in all the main craft areas and deals with important issues such as why art should be on the curriculum, classroom organisation, talking with children and assessment and evaluation" - International Journal of Early Years Education

"Reaching a third edition is always testament to the value and reception of a book and this is a tried and tested text that teachers have valued. Both practising teachers and student teachers will find the range of ideas will give inspiration for the classroom and the clear presentation will help even the less-artistic to have confidence in their teaching." - Parents in Touch

Book Information
ISBN 9781138022553
Author Rob Barnes
Format Paperback
Page Count 218
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 440g