The Development of Diverse Teaching Tools for Nordic Art Educators Through Design-Based Research

Foster, Jessica Lynn

4. semester

Visual Studies and Art Education, kandidat

2025

2025-05-26

49 pages

This master’s thesis employed Design-Based Research (DBR) to investigate how the development of teaching tools could support art teachers in Nordic countries to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fine arts classrooms. This study identified discrepancies between governmental goals promoting inclusive education and cultural competencies and teachers’ reported lack of diversity integration and formal DEI training. In response, a set of lesson plans and accompanying teaching tools were developed through an iterative DBR process consisting of four phases which were tested with teachers to elicit feedback. User feedback indicated that the teaching materials were useful, particularly for novice teaching and that experienced teachers appreciated the ability to edit and adapt the materials to suit their own needs. However, more scaffolding and resources are needed in order for teachers to feel comfortable presenting activism and DEI topics with students. The research concludes that while adaptable teaching tools that highlight diverse artists are beneficial, consistent DEI integration requires teacher training, resources, and potentially mandates to ensure consistent equitable teaching practices.

DEI ; diversity ; equity ; inclusion ; Nordic exceptionalism ; lesson planning ; curriculum development ; art education ; design-based research (DBR) ; culturally responsive teaching (CRT) ; multicultural education

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