ArtsEdSearch
By Deborah Pixton
Earlier this month, the Arts Education Partnership held its national Spring Forum in Washington DC. At the forum, the Partnership introduced its new research portal, ArtsEdSearch. The site, dedicated to arts education research, is organized by four grade level band, and can be searched by outcomes (engaged, successful students or committed, effective educators) or by setting (in- school or out-of-school).
For each category selected, the site next leads to a page with options for more information:
- What We Know
- Summary
- List of Studies
- What We Need to Know
- Summary
These summaries provide access to a quick reference on the things the research has already revealed (what we know) and the things that research still needs to investigate or next steps (what we need to know). While there are many potential applications of this tool, two that are immediately apparent are:
- Identifying the gaps in the research, allowing the possibility to develop studies that will be able to respond to some of the needs and next steps that past research has recognized.
- Summarizing research in credible forms that can be used by advocates and advocacy groups to make clear points about what the research in arts education has found.
Both the panel at the AEP forum and the website are clear that the site is not designed to provide information about research in quality teaching and learning in arts education. This information can be found in other resources and would have been
redundant.
Please take some time to investigate and experiment with ArtsEdSearch. We welcome and encourage you to share your ideasand feedback on the site as responses to this blog post.
