The Effect of Art Education on the Selective Attention Skills and Development of Preschoolers at 4 - 5 Years

Abstract

Art allows children to express their feelings and thoughts in a most convenient way, and enhance their intellectual and physical skills. This research discusses mixed-mode art education programs in preschool institutions under the auspices of the Ministry of National Education, and determines their effect on the selective attention skills of 4 - 5 years old children. The research sample included 90 children, male and female, between the ages of four and five years, who were attending preschool institutions under the auspices of the Ministry of National Education in the 2013-2014 academic year. A personal information form concerning demographic data was prepared by the researcher. Quantitative research methods were used. Pre-tests and post-tests were administered to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was also taught about the pre-test. The Frankfurter Test, developed by Raatz and Möhling (1971), was used to measure the children’s selective attention levels. Pre-test training for the experimental group included eight sessions. Each training session was 30 minutes long. The training was four weeks long with two sessions a week. The research found a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. Art education needs to be included in formal education in order to develop the selective attention skills of 4 - 5 years old children.