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An example of teaching “Art and Craft” in a Danish school Jan Liin Jessen
Renewed language of arts education
Towards a new concept of arts education
Danish Ministry of Education
Department of Primary, Lower Secondary and General Adult Education
Denmark
Workshop topic: 3_7 Creativity in Arts Education
An example of teaching “Art and Craft” in a Danish school Jan Liin Jessen Renewed language of arts education
Towards a new concept of arts education
Danish Ministry of Education
Department of Primary, Lower Secondary and General Adult Education
Denmark
The Danish Folkeskole consists of one year of pre-school class, nine years of primary and
lower secondary education.
Education is compulsory in Denmark for everyone between the ages of 6-7 and 16.
The education in the ten-years of primary and lower secondary schooling includes com-
pulsory subjects for all students in practical/creative subjects: Visual arts in form 1-5, nee-
dlework, wood and metalwork between form 4-7.
An example:
A school has instituted a new subject, “Art and Craft”. This subject replaces the traditional
subjects such as needlework, woodwork, and visual art. The curricular activities have two
objectives: 1) The pupils are to achieve practical skills, so they can employ craftsmanlike
tools and subject-related working methods and 2) learn to work innovatively in a design
process.
The new subject “Art and Craft” is compulsory from the 3rd -6th form with 3 lessons per
week. Three teachers teach together. One teacher must have a main subject in woodwork,
one in needlework and one in visual art. I.e. the teachers plan and carry through the les-
sons together. There are approximately 36 pupils in each class.
The courses start on the background of a theme in the form of a title. On the basis of this
the pupils are to make a product, which lives up to the theme.
Step 1: Inspirational stage: All pupils see/listen to an introductory presentation from the
teachers.
Step 2: Production stage: The pupils outline ideas of how to solve the task.
The pupils are introduced to a wide spectrum of techniques and materials.
A concrete example
”Make something you can sit on. It must be able to support your weight.” A 10 week
course - with 3 lessons per week.
1. Introduction/inspiration. The teacher shows pictures of different kinds of chairs, stools
etc.
2. The teacher presents a lot of different types of materials as inspiration to the pupils.
3. The pupils sketch out their ideas. The plans must be approved before the pupils may
start working with the material. The drawings are kept in the pupils’ portfolio.
4. The pupils start e.g. to cut out a seat of wood, make chair legs and put these on.
5. The pupils run into difficulties: They find out that it is necessary with an apron to stabi-
lize the chair legs. The teacher assists the pupil by teaching craftsmanlike techniques to
the pupil.
6. The chair or stool may be made in many ways and from a great number of materials,
e.g. wood, plastic, concrete etc.
7. The process and the product are evaluated continuously, and at the end of the course
an exhibition will be held for parents, family and friends.
Identification form for the submission of abstracts on Arts Education (research/case studies/experiences of best practices)
Surname: Jessen
Name: Jan Liin
Mr/Ms/Dr/Prof: Mr. Master of Arts
Past and present occupation (detailed description): Pedagogical adviser. Department of Primary, Lower Secondary and General Adult Education. Organization/Institution/University: Danish Ministry of Education Address: Frederiksholms Kanal 26, 1220 Copenhagen K, Denmark Telephone (+international code): +45 3392 5000 Fax (+international code): +45 3392 5666 E-mail Address: [email protected] Title of the Paper: An example of teaching “Art and Craft” in a Danish school.