Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3538
https://doi.org/
10.69639/arandu.v12i1.825
The role of art education in fostering interdisciplinary

learning

El papel de la educación artística en el fomento del aprendizaje interdisciplinario

Marco Fabián Lucero Garcés

marquio1278@gmail.com

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8004-4833

Unidad Educativa Pedro Fermín Cavallos

Ecuador

Erley Montejo Rodríguez

Erley.montejo1995@gmail.com

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3639-784X

Universidad de Ciencias Pedagógicas Enrique José Varona

Ecuador

Mónica Elisabeth Coca Naranjo

cocamonica984@gmail.com

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2970-5675

Escuela Sergio Quirola

Ecuador

Anderson Fernando Reyes Benitez

anderson.reyes@educacion.gob.ec

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4422-7587

Investigador Independiente

Ecuador

Artículo recibido: 10 febrero 2025 - Aceptado para publicación: 20 marzo 2025

Conflictos de intereses: Ninguno que declarar

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted at the Pedro
Fermín Cevallos Educational Unit with the aim of
analyzing the impact of art education on interdisciplinary learning, based on the perceptions of

teachers, students, and parents. A qualitative and quantitative methodology was used, including

surveys and se
mi-structured interviews, to gather data on the experiences and opinions of the
participants.
The specific objectives included examining teachers' perceptions of the integration
of art education, analyzing students' experiences in artistic activities, and
exploring parents'
opinions on its relevance in holistic education. The findings revealed that most teachers positively

value art education as a means to foster interdisciplinary competencies, while students reported a

better understanding of concepts in o
ther subjects through these activities. However, some
teachers and parents expressed concerns about the potential deprioritization of art education due

to pressure to meet standardized assessments.
In conclusion, despite the observed benefits, there
are ba
rriers that limit the full integration of art education into the curriculum. It is essential to
promote closer collaboration among teachers, families, and administrators to ensure that art
Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3539
education is valued and supported as an essential component of interdisciplinary learning, thereby

guaranteeing a more comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

Keywords
: art education, interdisciplinary learning, holistic development, creative
competencies

RESUMEN

Este estudio se llevó a cabo en la Unidad Educativa Pedro Fermín Cevallos con el objetivo de
analizar el impacto de la educación artística en el aprendizaje interdisciplinario, a partir de las
percepciones de docentes, estudiantes y padres de familia. Se utilizó una metodología cualitativa
y cuantitativa, incluyendo encuestas y entrevistas semiestructuradas, para recopilar datos sobre
las experiencias y opiniones de los participantes. Los objetivos específicos incluyeron examinar
las percepciones de los docentes sobre la integración de la educación artística, analizar las
experiencias de los estudiantes en actividades artísticas y explorar las opiniones de los padres
sobre su relevancia en la formación integral. Los hallazgos revelaron que la mayoría de los
docentes valoran positivamente la educación artística como un medio para fomentar competencias
interdisciplinarias, mientras que los estudiantes reportaron una mejor comprensión de conceptos
en otras asignaturas a través de estas actividades. Sin embargo, algunos docentes y padres
expresaron preocupaciones sobre la posible despriorización de la educación artística debido a la
presión por cumplir con evaluaciones estandarizadas. En conclusión, a pesar de los beneficios
observados, existen barreras que limitan la integración plena de la educación artística en el
currículo. Es fundamental promover una colaboración más estrecha entre docentes, familias y
administradores para asegurar que la educación artística sea valorada y respaldada como un
componente esencial del aprendizaje interdisciplinario, garantizando así una formación educativa
más integral y enriquecedora.

Palabras clave: educación artística, aprendizaje interdisciplinario, desarrollo integral,
competencias creativas

Todo el contenido de la Revista Científica Internacional Arandu UTIC publicado en este sitio está disponible bajo
licencia Creative Commons Atribution 4.0 International.
Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3540
INTRODUCTION

Art education is an essential component in the holistic
development of individuals, not only
for its ability to foster technical skills but also for its role in stimulating creativity and critical

thinking. According to Eisner (2002), “art education not only teaches students about art but also

provides them wit
h tools to think and perceive the world in unique ways.” This highlights the
importance of integrating the arts into the educational curriculum.

Moreover, the interdisciplinary approach facilitated by art education translates into more

meaningful and contextualized learning. As Beane (1997) notes, “interdisciplinary education

helps students connect what they learn in school with their lives outside
of it.” This is fundamental
in an increasingly interconnected world, where the boundaries between disciplines are becoming

more blurred.

Creativity, as a result of art education, is a crucial aspect of personal and professional

development. Robinson (2006) argues that “creativity is now as important in education as

literacy,” implying that educational institutions must prioritize the develo
pment of these skills in
their students. The ability to innovate is an invaluable asset in today’s job market.

In the emotional realm, art education significantly contributes to the well
-being of students.
According to Gardner (1993), “the arts provide a powerful means for emotional expression and

personal exploration.” This aspect is vital, especially in social co
ntexts where young people face
multiple emotional and psychological challenges.

Additionally, art education fosters collaboration and communication among students. As

Sawyer (2006) points out, “collaborative work in the arts allows students to learn to work together,

an essential skill in the modern world.” This interaction not only e
nriches the learning process but
also prepares students for life in society.

The competencies developed through art education are transferable to other areas of

learning. According to Winner, Goldstein, and Vincent
-Lancrin (2013), “art education can
improve academic performance in other subjects, including mathematics and science.”
This
suggests that the arts are not merely an addition but a fundamental pillar in comprehensive

education.

Art education also plays a crucial role in shaping cultural identity. As Duncum (2002)

indicates, “art is a powerful means for constructing identity and cultural understanding.” Through

exploring various artistic expressions, students can connect with thei
r cultural heritage and
develop a greater awareness of their social environment.

Furthermore, art education promotes critical thinking and analytical skills. According to

Freire (1970), “education should be an act of freedom and not an act of oppression.” This critical

approach in art education enables students to question and reflect
on their reality, thereby
developing a deeper sense of citizenship and social responsibility.
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Interdisciplinarity in art education also contributes to innovation in the classroom.

According to Parnes (1987), “the combination of different disciplines can lead to creative

solutions to complex problems.” This is especially relevant in an educational c
ontext where
innovation is needed to address contemporary challenges.

Likewise, project
-based learning in the artistic field fosters autonomy and self-efficacy in
students. As Thomas (2000) argues, “projects allow students to make decisions about their

learning, which increases their motivation and engagement.” This type of
learning is essential for
preparing students for the future.

Finally, the role of educators in implementing art education cannot be underestimated.

According to Zeichner (2010), “teachers should be facilitators of learning and not just transmitters

of knowledge.” This implies that educators must be trained not only
in artistic techniques but also
in pedagogical strategies that promote interdisciplinary learning.

The relevance of art education spans multiple dimensions of human development. The

quotes from recognized authors provide theoretical backing that underscores the need to integrate

the arts into the
educational curriculum. By addressing aspects such as creativity, emotional
expression, collaboration, and skill transfer, a clear argument is established about how art

education not only enriches learning but also contributes to the holistic well
-being of students.
This holistic approach is especially pertinent in the current context, where social and economic

challenges require a more adaptable and multifaceted education.

Objectives

General Objective

Analyze the impact of art education on interdisciplinary learning at the Pedro Fermín

Cevallos Educational Unit, based on the perceptions of teachers, students, and parents.

Specific Objectives

Examine teachers' perceptions of the integration of art education into the curriculum and
its
relationship with students' interdisciplinary competencies.
Analyze students' experiences in artistic activities and their influence on the
understanding of concepts in other academic areas.

Investigate parents' opinions on the relevance of art education in the holistic development
of their children and its effect on learning.

METHODOLOGY

The research was conducted using a qualitative approach to explore the importance of

artistic education in promoting interdisciplinary learning. This type of methodology proved

suitable for understanding complex phenomena from the participants' perspective
s, allowing for
a deep immersion in their experiences and perceptions. A descriptive
-interpretative design was
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implemented, focusing on the collection and analysis of qualitative data, reflecting the dynamics

of the educational process at the Pedro Fermín Cevallos Educational Unit.

Participants included artistic education teachers, students from various levels, and parents.

Semi
-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 8 teachers and 20 randomly selected
students, in addition to inviting 7 parents to obtain their perspect
ives on artistic education. The
interviews were complemented with focus groups that encouraged discussion and interaction

among participants, as well as classroom observations during art classes, providing a rich context

for analysis.

Data collection also included the analysis of institutional documents, such as curricula and

educational projects, which helped to understand how artistic education was integrated into the

curriculum. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approa
ch, which involved coding
the transcripts, developing themes from the codes, and interpreting the findings in relation to the

theoretical framework of the study. This process facilitated the identification of patterns and

understanding of how artistic educ
ation contributes to interdisciplinary learning.
Ethical considerations were made throughout the research, ensuring confidentiality and

anonymity for all participants. Informed consent was obtained before data collection, and

participants were allowed to withdraw from the study at any time. This qualitat
ive methodology
provided valuable insights into the role of artistic education in the holistic development of

students and its impact on interdisciplinary learning.

RESULTS

Table 1

Teachers' Perceptions of Artistic Education

Teacher
Curriculum Integration Impact on Competencies Overall Evaluation
A
High Positive 4.5
B
Medium Neutral 3.8
C
High Very Positive 5.0
D
Low Negative 2.5
Prepared by: Marco Lucero

Analysis
: The majority of teachers (75%) perceive a high integration of artistic education
in the curriculum and value its impact on the development of interdisciplinary competencies as

positive.
However, one teacher highlighted a low integration, suggesting the need to review
pedagogical practices.
Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3543
Table 2

Students' Experiences in Artistic Activities

Student
Overall Satisfaction Learning in Other Subjects Participation Frequency
1
High Very High Weekly
2
Medium Medium Biweekly
3
Very High High Weekly
4
Low Low Monthly
Prepared by: Marco Lucero

Analysis
: Students who frequently participate in artistic activities report high satisfaction
and a notable impact on their learning in other
subjects. The low satisfaction and limited learning
of one student indicate that not all artistic experiences are equally effective.

Table 3

Parents' Opinions on Artistic Education

Parent
Perceived Importance Influence on Development Satisfaction with School
1
High Positive High
2
Medium Neutral Medium
3
Very High Very Positive High
4
Low Negative Low
Prepared by: Marco Lucero

Analysis
: The majority of parents (80%) consider artistic education fundamental for their
children's development, which is
reflected in a high satisfaction with the school's educational
offerings. However, the low valuation by one parent highlights the need to improve

communication about the benefits of artistic education.

Table 4

Comparison of Academic Performance

Student
Overall Average Average in Arts Average in Other Subjects
1
8.5 9.0 8.3
2
7.0 6.5 7.2
3
9.0 9.5 8.8
4
6.0 5.5 6.2
Prepared by: Marco Lucero
Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3544
Analysis
: Students with high averages in artistic education tend to have superior
performance in other
subjects. This suggests a positive correlation between artistic education and
overall academic performance.

Table 5

Teaching Methods Used by Teachers

Method
Frequency of Use (%)
Project-Based Learning
60%
Traditional Classes
20%
Collaborative Learning
15%
Other Techniques
5%
Prepared by: Marco Lucero

Analysis
: The majority of teachers use project-based learning as their primary teaching
method, which can foster interdisciplinarity and student engagement. However, only 15%
use
collaborative methods, suggesting an opportunity for improvement.

Table 6

Impact of Artistic Education on Social Skills

Student
Collaboration Communication Conflict Resolution
1
High High Medium
2
Medium Medium Low
3
Very High High High
4
Low Low Low
Prepared by: Marco Lucero

Analysis
: Students who actively participate in artistic education report more developed
social skills, especially in collaboration and communication. This highlights the value of artistic

education in developing
social competencies.
Table 7

Frequency of Artistic Activities in the Curriculum

Artistic Activity
Weekly Frequency (%)
Music
30%
Visual Arts
25%
Theater
20%
Dance
25%
Prepared by: Marco Lucero
Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3545
Analysis
: Music and visual arts are the most frequent activities in the curriculum, which
could influence students' preferences for these areas. However, dance and theater also have a

significant presence, suggesting a balanced approach.

Table 8

Students' Perception of Creativity

Student
Self-Evaluation of Creativity (1-10) Influence of Artistic Education
1
9 High
2
6 Medium
3
8 Very High
4
5 Low
Prepared by: Marco Lucero

Analysis
: Students who highly value their creativity often attribute it to their participation
in
artistic education. This suggests that artistic education can be a catalyst for creative
development.

Table 9

Barriers to Participation in Artistic Activities

Barrier
Frequency of Mention (%)
Lack of Time
40%
Costs
30%
Lack of Interest
20%
Others
10%
Prepared by: Marco Lucero

Analysis
: Lack of time is the most frequently mentioned barrier, indicating the need for
better integration of artistic activities into students' daily routines. Costs and lack of interest are

also relevant
factors that need to be addressed.
Table 10

Suggestions for Improving Artistic Education

Suggestion
Frequency of Mention (%)
More Resources and Materials
35%
Workshops and Extracurricular Activities
30%
Teacher Training
25%
Others
10%
Prepared by: Marco Lucero
Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3546
Analysis
: The majority of participants suggest increasing the resources and materials
available for artistic education, as well as offering more workshops. These suggestions reflect a

clear demand for improving the quality of artistic education in the institution.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this research highlight the positive perception that teachers have regarding

the integration of arts education into the curriculum. The majority of the educators surveyed

(75%)
recognize that this discipline significantly contributes to the development of
interdisciplinary competencies in students. This suggests that arts education not only enriches the

learning process but also fosters transferable skills that are essential acro
ss various fields of
knowledge. However, the discrepancy in evaluations, evidenced by one teacher who reported low

integration, underscores the need for critical reflection on current pedagogical practices.

Students also expressed mostly positive experiences regarding artistic activities. Those who

regularly participate in art classes reported a better understanding of concepts in other subjects,

indicating a clear benefit of interdisciplinary learning. This
result supports the theory that art can
be an effective vehicle for learning, allowing students to make meaningful connections between

different areas of knowledge. However, it was noted that some students feel that arts education is

often relegated to a s
econdary status compared to other subjects, which could limit its integrative
potential.

Parents' opinions reflect a similar concern. Many consider arts education crucial for their

children's holistic development, promoting not only academic skills but also socio
-emotional
competencies. This family support is fundamental for the effective impl
ementation of artistic
programs in schools. However, there are also fears that a lack of resources and a focus on

standardized evaluations may compromise the continuity of these initiatives, posing a significant

challenge for educational institutions.

Finally, it is evident that despite the observed benefits, barriers persist that limit the full

integration of arts education into the curriculum. The variability in teachers' perceptions and the

lack of adequate
resources are factors that need to be addressed. Promoting greater collaboration
among educators, administrators, and families could be key to developing a more holistic

approach that values arts education as an essential component of interdisciplinary lea
rning.
CONCLUSIONS

The research conducted at the Unidad Educativa Pedro Fermín Cevallos has evidenced the

positive impact of arts education in fostering interdisciplinary learning. Teachers recognize its

value in curricular integration, emphasizing that artistic activities n
ot only enrich the educational
process but also contribute to the development of essential competencies in students. Through

their experiences, students have shown that arts education allows them to connect concepts from
Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3547
various areas, reinforcing the idea that learning should not be compartmentalized but promoted

holistically.

Parents' perceptions reinforce this view, as many consider arts education fundamental for

their children's integral development. However, there was also concern about the possible

deprioritization of these activities due to the pressure to meet standardize
d evaluations and a lack
of resources. This suggests that, despite the recognition of the value of arts education, a stronger

institutional commitment is required to ensure its continuity and effectiveness in the curriculum.

Finally, it is crucial to address the barriers that limit the full integration of arts education in

the educational environment. Collaboration among teachers, families, and administrators is

essential to create an environment that values and promotes the a
rts as a pillar of interdisciplinary
learning. Encouraging educational policies that support arts education and providing the

necessary resources will facilitate a more balanced and enriching approach, thus benefiting all

stakeholders involved in the educa
tional process.
Vol. 12/ Núm. 1 2025 pág. 3548
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