Teaching the Alternative Ceramic Firing Techniques to Preservice Visual Arts Teachers: A Case Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explain the case that preservice teachers will enable alternative experiences to today's visual arts education by using alternative ceramic firing techniques. In this study, qualitative research was carried out using a single-case study during the 2018-2019 academic year. Six preservice teachers were chosen using the criteria of having the necessary knowledge and skills for ceramic training and teaching, and for being educated in the Fine Arts Education Department. In the collecting data part of the research, the techniques of alternative firing such as; fumed firing, raku firing, saggar firing, and obvara firing techniques were practised in the context of this study. The main research data were based on the observation data collected through the process of the practices which were conducted by the artist-researcher. In addition to observations, a data set was gathered to understand and describe the case such as; lesson instruction materials, diaries, self-evaluation forms, and product evaluation forms. The data was analysed using a descriptive framework based on art education and teacher training literature. The findings of the study represent seven themes; "Adaptation of learning to school conditions", "Organising practise steps", "Motivation for creative experiences", "Suggestions for professional practices", "Suggestions for problems", "Adaptability to teaching" and "interaction during the teaching process". According to the findings, it can be stated that the alternative firing techniques transformed into alternative ways for teaching processes in visual arts education through this case. Consequently, the discussion topics are as follows: "Alternatives motivate creative experience"; "Adapting the alternatives to school conditions"; "Organising steps for alternative practises"; Transferring alternative experiences to professional lives".