Teaching History through Theater: The Effects of Arts Integration on Students' Knowledge and Attitudes

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Teaching History through Theater: The Effects of Arts Integration on Students' Knowledge and Attitudes
Language: English
Authors: Kisida, Brian, Goodwin, Laura, Bowen, Daniel H.
Source: AERA Open. Jan-Mar 2020 6(1).
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2020
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education
Early Childhood Education
Grade 3
Primary Education
Grade 4
Intermediate Grades
Descriptors: History Instruction, Theater Arts, Teaching Methods, Program Effectiveness, Partnerships in Education, Educational Opportunities, Program Evaluation, Organizations (Groups), Student Attitudes, Empathy, Student Interests, Interdisciplinary Approach, Knowledge Level, Educational Policy, Policy Analysis, Comparative Analysis, Learning Processes, Art, Multiple Choice Tests, Outcomes of Education, Elementary School Students, Social Studies, Grade 3, Grade 4
Geographic Terms: Arkansas
ISSN: 2332-8584
Abstract: Faced with accountability pressures and limited resources, education policymakers make difficult choices regarding school curricula. In recent years, studies have documented a decreased emphasis in arts and humanities instruction. One potential way for schools to fill this gap includes partnering with arts and cultural organizations to provide arts learning opportunities through arts integration, yet there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of such programs. We examine one such partnership by evaluating the efficacy of a program that infuses history content with theater. By randomly assigning school groups to participate in this program, we are able to draw causal conclusions about its effects. We find that students demonstrate increases in historical content knowledge, enthusiasm for learning about history, historical empathy, and interest in the performing arts as a result of this program. These findings suggest that there are valuable educational benefits from arts-integrated learning opportunities provided through school partnerships with arts organizations.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2020
Accession Number: EJ1248517
Database: ERIC
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