4. What are the best methods to use in teaching art?
5. To what extent will laboratory problems function in meeting pupils' needs?
6. What results should be expected from art training in the homemaking program?
7. How can these results be measured?
In vocational programs the courses or units in art related to the home are taught by both art teachers and home-economics teachers. In the larger schools they are frequently assigned to the regular art teacher, provided she has had sufficient contact and experience in homemaking to give her the necessary background for making the fundamental applications. In this case she follows very closely the work in the homemaking classes and makes use of every opportunity for correlation of her art work with the home.
In the smaller schools in which the vocational programs are organized there is usually no special art teacher and therefore the home-economics teacher must give all of the art work. In most States training in art is included among the qualifications for vocational home-economics teachers. The teacher-training institutions are providing instruction in art and also special methods courses in the teaching of related art in public schools in order that their prospective teachers may be as well prepared as possible to handle the related art as well as the home-economics courses.
This bulletin is intended as a help to teachers of related art courses, be they regular art teachers or home-economics teachers, to art instructors and teacher trainers in colleges, and to supervisors of home economics. The following tabulated suggestions indicate how it may be of service to these four groups:
Chart 1.—Suggestions for use of this bulletin by teachers
While the major emphasis in the bulletin is directed toward the teaching of related art, mention should be made of the importance of environment as a potent factor in shaping ideals and developing appreciation of the beautiful. Constant association with things of artistic quality and frequent opportunity for directed observation of good design and color should be provided for all home-economics students. The home-economics laboratory offers an opportunity for centers in which interesting and artistic groupings may be arranged. These tend to eliminate much of the formal school atmosphere and provide a more typical home environment. Such centers in home-economics laboratories have been appropriately called appreciation centers. A laboratory with examples of the beautiful in line and color, such as well-arranged bowls of flowers, bulletin boards, wall hangings, or book corners, may prove an effective though silent teacher.