A Survey of Chinese Children’s Self-Expression

—Based on the Process of Self-Expression According to Dewey’s Art Theory—

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to obtain insights into Chinese children’s self-expression by surveying middle and upper elementary-grade children. I first conducted a literature review in Japan and China to clarify the current trends and issues concerning self-expression in art education. Referring to Dewey’s theory on art, I delineated components of self-expression and discussed the process of creating self-expression. Next, I quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the data obtained from the survey to identify the degree of children’s self-expression in art activities and the impeding factors. As a result, it was shown that children are anxious about self-expression, and the children’s lack of awareness of the expressive content and their inadequate expressive techniques are key issues in art activities. Furthermore, the children had limited ability to adapt to interpersonal situations and to work with others.