Researcher(s)
- Aaron Wallace, Elementary Teacher Education, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Teresa Hickok, College of Education and Human Development, University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore levels of student engagement in an elementary arts-integrated classroom setting by observing key student behaviors during each teaching session. Arts integration is the collaboration between an art form and a core subject area while allowing students to engage in creative activities (The Kennedy Center, 2016). Cornelius-White and Harbaugh (2010) stated if teachers are to engage students in a particular subject area, the students’ desire to learn the material and utilize it are important. This research led to my consideration of the following research question: How can arts integration improve student engagement for elementary school students? In order to investigate this question, I designed an arts integration student engagement observation tool to evaluate student engagement on a daily basis at Girls INC. of Wilmington, Delaware. My findings along with my research on arts integration and student engagement will be used to create a set of recommendations for future Girls INC. elementary school teachers who want to improve student engagement in their summer programming.