Art, Art Education and Art Pedagogy for Brain Health
Keywords:
older people, art, art education, art pedagogy, brain healthAbstract
The field of art, art pedagogy and art education is changing and has found its place in the area of social and healthcare education and its work practices. Art education practices comprise teaching that uses art methods, materials and tools. In this process, pedagogically guided means-ends art activities play a significant role. The operations are assessed in relation to the set objectives and in view of their outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to describe the double meaning of this approach in education and in practice. Examples are based on two studies carried out through the practical action research strategy and narrative approach. The qualitative data of the process (1. N=31, 2. N=17) were analysed using the narrative method. The results show that art and means-ends art pedagogy, based on sociocultural learning practice, are means of learning to build and create life by expanding the consciousness, by shaping new perspectives, constructing meaning, creating and establishing social interaction with others, and sharing a common culture. It is also shown to be a proactive process to enhance brain health, when brain health is examined and as people themselves experience it.
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