Surveying the art history mystery: Student opinions of outcomes and value

Abstract

Higher education professionals in art history agree that the downward trend of funding and enrolment will continue if changes to art history curriculum are not made that bring to light how relevant and helpful art history can be to students of all demographic populations and academic majors. This study seeks to explore student perspectives of how art history is currently being taught and their opinions on what outcomes art history class offers that they value. Current art history students completed a survey that assessed student perspectives about their art history class. Findings indicate that students value art history knowledge (AHKO) and find lecture to be efficient. However, they would also appreciate other instructional methods such as in-class activities, which they believe would help them learn critical thinking (CTO), and discussion and homework projects, which they believe would help them learn creativity. Students of all majors find AHKO, CTO, creativity to be valuable skills that are taught in art history.