Impact of an arts-integrated training on preschool teacher-child interactions and classroom design

The purpose of this study is to research the impact of the Art as a Way of Learning arts-integrated teacher training program on teacher practices. Based on Bresler's research on the barriers that teachers face in engaging children in a cognitive orientation to arts education, the AWL framework was created to address these barriers and to promote teachers' use of constructive strategies in arts education. A qualitative research design is used to explore classroom environmental design as well as the frequency of key teacher behaviors after the training program. Results from this study indicate an increase in teachers' competence in implementing cognitive orientation teaching strategies and changes to their decisions about classroom aesthetic design, though with minor challenges. Challenges and future possibilities are discussed in light of the findings.