Theatre Arts and Financial Literacy: A Case Study of Arts Integration
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2023
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Abstract
Financial literacy is crucial for success in the US, enabling informed decisions aligned with individual needs and wants. The problem was that many students lacked understanding and skills due to limited meaningful instruction. Research shows teachers lacked the ability to teach financial literacy, exacerbated by limited professional development. The purpose of this study was to examine how 15 teachers perceived a form of financial literacy instruction that integrates theatre arts instructional practices into the elementary math classroom after completing a 3-hour arts integration professional development. Drawing from Bloom's taxonomy and Gardner's theories, the study combines arts, sciences, and spirituality to advance classroom knowledge, practices, and skills. This study investigated how educators, functioning as leaders and scholar-practitioners, could use arts integration as an active, experiential, and holistic pedagogical strategy that can unleash student potential. Drama and financial literacy integration revealed benefits, enhancing engagement and skill development despite drawbacks. Teachers found that the arts integrative approach could facilitate cumulative knowledge-building processes, better learning outcomes, and foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among most students. Educators stressed planning, execution, expert involvement, professional development, and support for effective classroom management. Implications extend to policymakers, universities, and school districts to enhance financial literacy education. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive research, organization, and implementation when integrating arts into financial literacy instruction.
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