Understanding the role of critical and creative thinking in Australian primary school visual arts education

Much attention has been devoted to critical and creative thinking within the field of education in recent years. One reason for this burgeoning interest results largely from research that has shown it is possible to increase students' critical and creative thinking capacities through instruction and practice. In the past this was often regarded as an innate individual disposition and education was thought to have little impact on development (Presseisen, 1999). Another reason for the increased attention given to these forms of thinking is due to rapid sociological changes. With movement to what is often referred to as 'the information age' the ability to be both a critical and creative thinker is considered an important element of life success.