The Effect of an A/r/tography-Based Art Board Game Art Education Program on Fostering Empathy: The Case of the <Sensory Garden> Program

This study addressed the decline in emotional exchange and empathy among the digital-native generation by developing and implementing an art board game to foster empathy. Conducted as an A/r/tography-based action research project with eight third-grade students at S Elementary School, it followed a reflective and cyclical improvement process. The Sensory Garden program, comprising ‘Awakening the Senses,’ ‘Expressing Imagination and Emotions,’ and ‘The Garden of Art Appreciation,’ was designed using the ADDIE model and refined collaboratively with participants. Findings revealed enhanced emotional expression, improved understanding of others, and naturally embodied empathy through interactive play, demonstrating the applicability and feasibility of art board game–based teaching and learning in art education.