Analysis of Example Artworks Related to Art Activities in Textbooks Based on the 2022 Revised The Moral Life, Inquiring Life, and Pleasant Life Curriculum

This study examines the status of art education in the lower grades of elementary school by analyzing example artworks related to art activities in textbooks based on the 2022 Revised The Moral Life, Inquiring Life, and Pleasant Life Curriculum. Sixteen textbooks were examined to determine the frequency and types of example artworks. Student artworks accounted for 64% of the examples, 22% were replaced by illustrations without example artworks, and only 3% were works by professional artists. Given that example artworks provide aesthetic experiences, guide learning objectives and themes, convey art knowledge, and serve as instructional media, future textbooks should offer a wider variety of high-quality examples. Specifically, textbooks should include actual artworks with sufficient information rather than relying on illustrative substitutes. Such an approach will support the creation of textbooks aligned with the developmental stages of the lower-grade learners, enhancing their understanding of art and providing richer aesthetic experiences.