Recipes from the Gingerbread House: Exploring the Witch Archetype to Address the Hidden Curriculum in Secondary Schools

Paper


Russell, Ann. 2018. "Recipes from the Gingerbread House: Exploring the Witch Archetype to Address the Hidden Curriculum in Secondary Schools." 22nd Annual Work in Progress (WiP) Conference. St Lucia, Australia 25 - 26 Sep 2018
Paper/Presentation Title

Recipes from the Gingerbread House: Exploring the Witch Archetype to Address the Hidden Curriculum in Secondary Schools

Presentation TypePaper
Authors
AuthorRussell, Ann
Year2018
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttps://communication-arts.uq.edu.au/event/2018WiPconference
Conference/Event22nd Annual Work in Progress (WiP) Conference
Event Details
22nd Annual Work in Progress (WiP) Conference
Event Date
25 to end of 26 Sep 2018
Event Location
St Lucia, Australia
Abstract

Some of the monsters we have created as a society: stereotypes, vilification and ‘othering’ have their roots in the classroom, often generated and perpetuated by means of the ‘hidden curriculum’. The hidden curriculum involves the beliefs and values that are implied (rather than made explicit) to students by means of teaching and administrative practices (Rodriguez & Mai, 2012). It both reflects and perpetuates beliefs according to ideologies of prevailing political power; often based on an erroneous or skewed understanding of historic and anthropological developments. My research project for the Doctor of Creative Arts (USQ) utilises the fairy tale metaphor to draw on my extensive experience as a visual art educator and explores the hidden curriculum in schools by drawing on Hansel and Gretel to seek fresh insights into ways of educating students within the contemporary context. In this metaphor, the secondary art classroom or studio is likened to the Gingerbread House and the art teacher to the witch. Exploration of the witch – who is the ubiquitous ‘monster’ of the fairy tale – as a teacher of creativity reveals her powerful ability to disrupt the messages of the hidden curriculum such as gender stereotyping and the deterrence of diversity. The purpose of this project is to use creative practice to disrupt the hidden curriculum and suggest alternatives which may contribute to a more sustainable and egalitarian culture. Improving outcomes for students (especially girls) in terms of the richness of their lives before and after graduation ultimately leads to subtle shifts in societal attitudes.

Reference
Rodriguez, R. G., & Mai, D. (2012). The Hidden Curriculum. Military Medicine, 177(9), 999-1001.

KeywordsArt, Arts Education, Learning, Hidden Curriculum, Witch, Hansel and Gretel, Fairy Tale
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390202. History and philosophy of education
390406. Gender, sexuality and education
390306. Secondary education
360104. Visual cultures
500321. Social and political philosophy
390102. Curriculum and pedagogy theory and development
360602. Fine arts
440503. Feminist theory
390101. Creative arts, media and communication curriculum and pedagogy
360103. Art theory
Byline AffiliationsSchool of Arts and Communication
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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