David Kadlec

1.30 Art Education as a Space for Self-Knowledge and the Development of Social Competences (Paper)

David Kadlec – Department of Art Education, Faculty of Education, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic

Abstract:

The aim of this contribution is to acquaint students with the concept of a research project focused on art education in primary education, viewing it as a space for building social relations among pupils. Within its objectives, art education not only develops pupils’ creative competencies but also addresses communication and social skills.

Relationships between pupils are a significant topic addressed throughout the school environment, and in primary education, this issue is an important feature – not only of preventive programs but also as a natural part of everyday teaching. Within the framework of artistic discourse, it is evident that art education offers pupils greater opportunities for interaction, socialization, and often reveals the connections between individuals.

The key question is how to leverage these advantages of art education and design teaching methods that allow teachers to map not only the social bonds among pupils but also to better understand each student’s personality within the class collective. This approach can help teachers tune into the dynamics of the class group and, through these insights, adapt teaching methods to foster pupils’ social competencies more effectively.

This contribution will present a brief analysis of art lessons conducted so far within the research, focusing on specific art activities and games that targeted these social aspects. It addresses the often unexpected territory of human relationships and social ties – elements that pupils at the primary education level are only beginning to discover, experience, and understand. From the perspective of educators, our role is to help pupils navigate this territory and, through art experiences, strengthen the necessary social competencies.