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Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 15, Issue 2, Article 12 (Dec., 2014) |
A study to understand the role of visual arts in the teaching and learning of science
Saroja DHANAPAL
Taylor's University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA
E-mail: saroja.dhanapal@taylors.edu.my
Ravi KANAPATHY
Taylor's University, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA
E-mail: ravi.kanapathy@taylors.edu.my
Jamilah MASTAN
Selangor Darul Ehsan, MALAYSIA
E-mail: jammy.mastan@gmail.com
Received 31 May, 2014
Revised 16 Dec., 2014
This research was carried out to understand the role of visual arts in the teaching and learning of science among Grade 3 teachers and students. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative research design was used to discover the different perceptions of both teachers and students on the role of visual arts in science. The data for the research was obtained from an international school in Malaysia through a survey distributed to the teachers and students. The researchers identified how the usage of visual arts motivated students to learn science. The research was supported with literature reviews of various educationists. The study found that children’s mental and physical development was not merely enhanced and stimulated through the learning of science alone but with the integration of visual arts which aids their growth and progress. The findings also indicated that almost all teachers and students gave positive views for the integration of visual arts in science lessons. Teachers noticed positive changes among their learners as they enjoyed the freedom of choosing their preferred form of art to express their learning of science. Teachers also noticed that integrating visual arts as a medium to teach science motivated students to attain a higher level of achievement. Finally, it is concluded that visual arts play a useful role in the teaching and learning science. Since visual arts has been proven to play an important role in the development of individuals, the researchers advocate for its integration in science lessons at all levels of study to promote higher order thinking skills and abilities to survive in the 21st century.
