L’influence de l’apprentissage des arts sur le développement de l’intelligence émotionnelle d’élèves du primaire
In Quebec’s elementary schools, arts education is compulsory. As a matter of fact, study programs with an artistic concentration are present in many schools. However, some individuals still consider that arts education is a less important field of study. As a result, the effects learning arts has on young students remain unclear. The objective of this study is to determine if students from grades 4, 5 and 6 who study in a school with an artistic program develop more abilities linked to their emotional intelligence (EI), compared to students who study in a school with a regular program. A quasi-experimental research design with a non equivalent control group was used. EI scores were measured with questionnaires completed by students, their teachers and their parents. Using three different types of respondents made it possible to triangulate the data. Results first show that, according to teachers’ perception, students who followed arts courses in extracurricular activities have a higher EI than students who did not follow those kinds of courses. However, participation in an artistic program does not appear to have an effect on the development of EI, because our results indicate that students who attend a school that offers an artistic program have lower EI than students from regular schools. Outcomes are discussed in light of the current literature, and according to the strengths and the weaknesses of the current study.
Arts Emtional intelligence (EI) Elementary school Artistic program