The Influence of Artist in Schools (AiS) Program and the ARCS Motivational Model on Students’ Creativity and Motivation in Visual Art

Abstract

The word ‘education’ comes from the Greek word ‘educare’ which means carrying out the potentials stored in the children's psyche to be guided in order for them to grow. It involves the dissemination of information or knowledge to, and acceptance by, a student which results in the receiver’s behavioral changes. The “Artist in Schools” (AiS) program was initiated by the researchers and became the platform for the collaboration between schools and artists aimed at increasing the students’ motivation in arts education. It encompasses the sharing of knowledge and experiences between the two groups. This paper is aimed at analyzing the students’ creativity and motivation in visual art by using the ARCS Motivational Model. Using the multi-case studies, nine secondary schools from Peninsular Malaysia were selected as the sample of the study. In-depth interviews, observation, and analysis of related documents were applied. The data were presented narratively. The result revealed that AiS was significantly functional and instrumental in enhancing and encouraging the level of creativity and motivation of the students in visual arts. This study may give a great impact on the students’ development specifically in the learning of visual arts.