Perceptions of pre-service teachers value of art museums and galleries

Art museums and galleries provide many educational opportunities for generalist classroom teachers to engage in learning experiences with students. Beliefs about engagement with art museums and galleries can begin in teacher education programs. This paper explores the beliefs of pre-service teachers in a Bachelor of Education (primary) program in the state of Victoria, Australia, about engagement with art museums and galleries at the start of semester and at the end of semester after a visit to a gallery. Using a survey, open-ended questions, and course evaluations about the teacher education program, data was collected to show the changes in perceptions regarding beliefs towards engagement with art museums and galleries as a primary teacher. Findings highlight the importance of engaging with art museums and galleries during teacher education to allow pre-service teachers to experience and understand the importance within their teaching and educational contexts.