Status of Art and Design in Selected High Schools in Mufulira District

Abstract

Using Henry Tajfel and John Turners' Social Identity Theory, the study set out to investigate the status of Art and Design in selected schools in Mufulira District. The main objectives of the study were: (a) To find out how Art and Design was rated by teachers, and pupils as compared to other subjects. (b) To find out how Art and Design was considered by administrators,teachers, and pupils as compared to other subjects, and (c) To find out ways or measures of encouraging pupils to take up Art and Design as a subject of study.The sample comprised three schools from which were drawn a total of 81 grade ten, eleven and twelve pupils, six art teachers and thirty teachers (who taught other subjects apart from Art and Design), three head teachers and three deputy headteachers. In addition, the sample included Mrs. Gabriel Ellison, a renowned Zambian author and artist.Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, semistructured interviews, observation and through document analysis. Information about the status of Art and Design in Zambia was collected through in-depth interviews with Mrs. Gabriel Ellison. The collected information was analyzed qualitatively so as to come up with categories, themes and sub themes.The findings of this study have shown that Art and Design has low status as compared to other subjects offered in high schools in Mufulira District. Out of 19 subjects rated, Art and Design was rated 17th by pupils and 14th by teachers. Teachers and the pupils did not consider Art and Design as a subject that was necessary in one's life in school and outside school. The study also revealed that Art and Design was not valued by administrators, teachers and pupils as compared to other subjects of study. In addition, the study came up with ways of encouraging pupils to take up Art and Design as a subject of study.In line with the findings of the study, the following recommendations weresuggested(i) To make Art and Design a compulsory subject (ii) To avail the pupils with information on the benefits of studying Art and Design (iii) Art and Design should be well equipped with teachers' hand books, pupils' text books and reference books and other related materials just like in other disciplines of study (vi) Pupils should have field trips, exhibitions, Art and Design art clubs.