Effect of art education ın teaching the concept of tissue to autistic children

Abstract

Based on this viewpoint, the present study aims at teaching the concept of tissue to the autistic children. In the study, an education environment aided by visual materials was created by using the sense organs peculiar to these children and the effects of learning was put forward. Research group consisted of two autistic children who were aged 12. Research presented a case study. Qualitative data in the research were obtained by interview, observation and assessment of the students' paintings by the researchers. Interview was carried out by asking five questions to the mothers and visual arts teachers of the students. Paintings of the children were assessed and interpreted in line with the painting assessment criteria developed by the researchers. Data of the observation included the interpretation of the records taken during the practices via video tapes and photographs. According to the interview data obtained in the research, families and visual arts teachers are of the conviction that art activities have positive impacts on autistic children and art lessons are essential. At the end of the observation, it was concluded that teaching the concept of tissue to the autistic children through different techniques and materials was more effective and enabled them to participate in the course willingly. Paintings of students were acclaimed in terms of colour, setting, texture and technique. Results of the research showed once more that a purposeful art education should be included in the programs of special education institutions for the education of autistic children.