Art Education in Canada (Example of Saskatchewan Province)

In this study, arts education and visual arts education in Saskatchewan, Canada were examined from preschool to secondary level. In the study, which is one of the qualitative research methods, documentary screening method is used, related resources are searched and related arts education curriculums are examined. Arts education is a required area of study in Saskatchewan’s Core Curriculum. The Saskatchewan’s arts education curriculum, called K-12, has four strands: dance, drama, music and visual arts. Arts education curriculum is structured to provide all students with creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In Saskatchewan, arts education from kindergarten to Grade 12, has three goals: cultural-historical (CH), critical-responsive (CR), creative-productive (CP). The learning outcomes of the curriculum are covered by these goals. The assessment of student achievement is based on learning outcomes aimed at these goals and is student-focused throughout the learning process. The kindergarten education program of the K-12 Arts Education curriculum is built on the principles of early learning within the framework of learning areas, supporting children's learning through play and encouraging holistic learning by taking into consideration the developmental level and individual difference of each child. Within the scope of visual arts education, it is aimed that children create artworks that express their own observations and ideas about the world. Students create artworks that express their own ideas on concepts such as society, environment, identity, social issues with materials and techniques related to visual arts from Grade 1 to Grade 9. Visual Arts (10, 20, 30) curriculum at secondary level; enables students to explore a variety of world views, including the perspectives of the First Nations and the people of Métis, and supports the creation of individual art styles in their art works.

Keywords

Canadian art education, Saskatchewan curriculum, Visual arts education.