From practice to pedagogy: A model of praxis-focused creative arts assessment in initial teacher education

Article

Burke, Katie, Roy, David, Baker, William, Chapman, Sian, Hotko, Katie and Hamilton, Amy. 2025. "From practice to pedagogy: A model of praxis-focused creative arts assessment in initial teacher education." Arts and Humanities in Higher Education: an international journal of theory, research and practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/14740222251412056
Article Title

From practice to pedagogy: A model of praxis-focused creative arts assessment in initial teacher education

ERA Journal ID10260
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsBurke, Katie, Roy, David, Baker, William, Chapman, Sian, Hotko, Katie and Hamilton, Amy
Journal TitleArts and Humanities in Higher Education: an international journal of theory, research and practice
Number of Pages25
Year2025
PublisherSAGE Publications Ltd
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN1474-0222
1741-265X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/14740222251412056
Web Address (URL)https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14740222251412056
Abstract

In response to the growing need for authentic, pedagogically sound assessment in Initial Teacher Education (ITE), this study presents a model of praxis-focused Creative Arts assessment designed to integrate arts-making, critical reflection, and pedagogical theorising. Drawing on a multi-site, collaborative autoethnographic study involving six Australian universities, the research uses document analysis and thematic analysis of student survey data to identify critical characteristics that underpin effective praxis focused assessment: meaningful context, embodied arts engagement, and critical reflection, which collectively contribute to theory-practice integration. The study results in a theoretically grounded and empirically supported model of praxis-focused assessment that is affirmed as a pedagogical tool for preparing confident, competent arts educators. The model offers a framework for assessment in Creative Arts ITE, enhancing student engagement and classroom readiness while addressing contemporary challenges such as
generative AI and online learning.

Keywordsinitial teacher education; Creative arts; arts assessment; authentic arts; praxis-focused assessment
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390307. Teacher education and professional development of educators
3606. Visual arts
3604. Performing arts
Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Southern Queensland
University of Newcastle
University of Tasmania
Murdoch University
Southern Cross University
Flinders University
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