Visual research methodologies in the field of Art Education: conceptual analysis and specific theoretical framework of reference

Abstract

Art education must be studied rigorously through contemporary visual culture which reflects changes in current society, using visual research methodologies that broaden knowledge in the fields of art and education. This paper presents new formats for observing and analysing visual material in art through visual artistic research methodologies applied to education. These methodologies foster new forms of visual narrative discourse and serve as essential experimentation guides to explore and understand complex art concepts, and how they can be used by researchers and trainee teachers as educational material for contemporary visual culture. This study analyses the current formats used to study photographic or visual material, including interactive documentaries, participant mapping and digital storytelling. We also present the design, justification and implementation of a theoretical and practical review including the creation of visual methodologies and their application in education. The aim is for students to acquire tools to understand the images of their immediate visual culture and to generate artworks using different forms of artistic representation with an educational application, such as photographic techniques and audio-visual media.