Examination of Visual Arts Teacher Candidates` Perception of Cultural Heritage With Word Association Test

Authors : Hatice Kübra Özalp Hamarta, Gözde Dursun

Pages : 254-269

Doi:10.24331/ijere.1735784

View : 188 | Download : 375

Publication Date : 2025-10-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aimed to determine the cognitive structures of pre-service visual arts teachers studying art education regarding the concepts of cultural heritage, value, history, museum, and local culture through a word association test. The research was designed using the general survey model, and the study group consisted of 54 pre-service teachers enrolled in the Department of Art Education at a university. Data were collected through a word association test and explanatory sentences written for each key concept, and analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. According to the findings, the participants most frequently associated the concept of \\\"cultural heritage\\\" with \\\"art\\\" and \\\"tradition,\\\" indicating a strong awareness of its aesthetic and historical dimensions. However, some participants showed misconceptions by limiting cultural heritage to only physical remnants. While the concept of \\\"value\\\" was generally defined through its social and cultural aspects, a notable portion of participants described it in terms of personal emotions or material worth. The concept of \\\"history\\\" was addressed in a knowledge-based and event-oriented manner. The \\\"museum\\\" concept was mostly described as an educational and preservative institution, though some participants offered superficial or subjective interpretations. The concept of \\\"local culture\\\" was mostly associated with \\\"tradition\\\" and explained in terms of identity and belonging. Regarding the second sub-problem, the concept of cultural heritage was most frequently associated with history, value, and museum, while the museum and local culture concepts were also linked with history. This indicates that teacher candidates tend to interpret these concepts through a historical perspective. The value concept, on the other hand, did not form direct associations with other concepts, revealing some conceptual deficiencies.
Keywords : kültürel miras, sanat eğitimi, müze eğitimi, kelime ilişkilendirme testi

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