Choice Based Art in the Middle School Classroom

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the engagement of students when they are presented choices in the art classroom. This method follows the vision of Maria Montessori who created a boundary choice program promoting child growth and learning through choice. This study looks at the middle school age group that is typically described as the trough of a U curve of aesthetic growth by Howard Gardner. Through this study there was an exploration of student thoughts on choice, choice in Montessori schools in the United states, and how that might work in a traditional classroom. Do students become more engaged when given choices, and what choices do they respond to? Through the data collection I was able to see that the different grade levels made decisions differently. I was able to allow the students to give input and discuss their level of engagement with the works of art that they were creating. The data collected allowed me to make comparisons between those that were given choices and those that were not. Gaining their opinions on choice allowed me to see what the students wanted or were drawn to. My study looked at choice based art with authentic responses from those it would affect most.