Approaches to the teaching of still-life drawing and painting in the Maltese secondary state schools

Abstract

This study begins with some historical background on the origins of still-life, and with information about the role of still-life in secondary education. It moves on to a literary investigation about lessons in still-life and art in general, and suggestions about the best ways to go about in their planning, delivery, assessment, evaluation and the importance of work presentation and display. Following this is a data analysis of the information obtained through the questionnaire answered by art teachers, concerning the kind and quality of still life teaching in Malta's Secondary State Schools. Data proved that although still-life lessons are among the most popular and common exercises executed in Art classes, in many Maltese secondary state schools, they are still being planned and delivered with a traditional approac~ evoking little motivation and interest and being less effective. It also showed that through this, the still-life topic is being regarded as repetitive and boring by over 40% of the students. A set of Specimen lesson plans is presented in chapter 4 intended to show various approaches teachers may follow/use to enhance the effectiveness of their still-life lessons. A few suggestions and recommendations are put forward which can help improve the quality of still life lessons and art education in general.