An Exploration of the Value of Product in Visual Arts Education in the Irish Primary School

Abstract

This small-scale study explores the value of art product in visual arts education in the Irish primary school setting. A qualitative research approach was adopted, and the data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with seven primary school teachers whom had experience teaching across a variety of classes and in different primary schools in Ireland. The three student focus groups were conducted with fifth and sixth class students from one primary school, in order to facilitate the collection of data from a sample of the student population. Following the data collection process, the data was analysed, the subsequent findings reported that art product was of value in the following areas: a form of personal self-expression to be treasured , as a means of integrating art across the curriculum, as a source for assessment, as support for the looking and responding strand unit, as a source of material for exhibitions of students’ artwork, as a means of promoting creativity, and as a means of promoting social and emotional development. Other findings included the meaning attributed to product in visual arts and professional development for primary school teachers in visual arts education.