NAEA Research Commission - Data Visualization Working Group

July 6, 2016. The Data Visualization Working Group is the initial research working group of the Research Commission. The intention of this inaugural working group was to develop procedures for future working groups, including criteria and processes in the Research Commission for endorsing member generated projects.

With the launch of the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) Research Commission in 2012, Commissioners sought input from NAEA members and constituent groups to identify research needs and interests. In keeping with the goals of the research commission, the needs identified responded to concerns relate to P-16 art classrooms, museums, community arts programs, and other educational settings while advocating for research.

The Data Visualization Working Group (DVWG) was established with a dual purpose. First, it was a response to the Commission’s goal of “Organizational Vibrancy” whereby an approach to using data to increase knowledge was seen as a means of promoting a “culture of research.” Second, data visualization is seen as a possible approach to compiling and analyzing readily available data as sources of information that might address many off the issues raised by the NAEA membership. For example, members sought information on matters such as:

• Demographic data available from national surveys
• Student-teacher ratios
• Distribution of minority art teachers in the U.S.
• Means in which to conduct participatory research with field members
• Art education policy and advocacy
• National surveys with demographic data updated annually

Members

2015 Update
After launching the DVWG and inviting NAEA members, over 30 art educators representing all levels from the field responded to participate. Interests from this group were surveyed and in San Diego, many shared the methods, topics and issues germane to their data visualization interests.  Data Visualization Working Group members have hosted a number of Interactive Café Events over the past year and a half, all of which are archived on the Café site. Additionally at least a half dozen sessions extended the work of the Data Visualization Working Group during the New Orleans Convention.

One of these included a follow-up to the San Diego presentations; this session was organized around the four topics of the Research Agenda. Each review refined knowledge about the interests and needs of data visualization within the NAEA.   

• The Assessment and Evaluation Review was led by Pam Taylor
• The Demographic Data Review was led by Justin Sutters
• The Emergent Technology Review was led by Bob Sweeny
• The Social Justice Review was led by Yichien Cooper, Adriana Katzew, Elka Kazmierczak, and Amber Ward

From this closer look, a number of common themes began to emerge, indicating overlapping interests and possible next steps. It is worth noting, Data Visualization includes a wide range of needs, which members also hold in common. Chief among these is a desire to grow capacities with digital visualization resources. Currently, outreach to these presenters and other DVWG members is underway to gauge their insights on the possibilities of a shared, solidified action in the year ahead.

For more information, please contact Chris Grodoski at cgrodoski@gmail.com.