Implications of Preservice Teachers' Perceptions of the Visual Arts for Educator Preparation

This study addresses preservice teacher perceptions of their experience with the arts. Implications are explored for how educator preparation programs might address an art course for generalist or multiple-subject teachers. This study adds to the literature on perception of art from K-8 generalist multiple-subject teachers by applying a discourse analysis to a survey of preservice teachers' (n = 37) perceptions of their experience with art in school. The survey was administered at a public university in the United States with questions asking participants to briefly explain their perceptions and experiences with the fine arts and how the fine arts are integrated into teaching practices. This study addresses the following question: How do preservice elementary teachers conceptualize the fine arts? Recommendations are made for educator preparation programs.