The purpose of this study is to discuss suggestions for integrating arts in
2009 National Curriculum Revision. Many educators have been concerned about
school reform regarding teaching fragmentation of knowledge of subject areas to
work across curriculum divisions. The term of arts(music/visual art) could be
problem because of the lack of consent among educators, art educators, music
educators. We need to conceptualize arts(music/visual art) in curriculum to
investigate approaches to curriculum integration of arts(music/visual art).
There are few national guidelines regarding curriculum around arts in other
countries. Arts could be conceptualize in two ways such as education through arts
and education within each area of arts. Students can learn with the arts; that is,
explore subject matter with the aid of an artwork. Learning about the arts means
a subject in and of itself. There are growing needs of comprehensive integrated
curricula that explore themes and issues driven by students through
problem-solving and inquiry based projects.
The author suggests ways to practice in arts(music/visual art) in integrated
curriculum. Issue-based arts integration could be to eliminate boundaries between
schools and communities and could make connections across subjects to develop a
nurturing and relevant learning environment. Examples of unit plan including issues
as caring others, gender equality, and multi-culturalism in arts(music/visual art)
curriculum are provided. Teacher education regarding curriculum integration and
partnership with artists are significant to develop curriculum that is relevant to
students' lives.