African Mask-Making Workshop: Professional Development Experiences of Diverse Participants

• Published in: International journal of multicultural education Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 135 - 157
• Main Authors: Rule, Audrey C, Montgomery, Sarah E, Kirkland-Holmes, Gloria, Watson, Dwight C, Ayesiga, Yvonne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Logan Eastern College, Department of Education 01-01-2015; International Journal of Multicultural Education (IJME); International Journal of Multicultural Education
• Subjects: Adults; Africa; African American Family; African Americans; African Culture; Analysis; Art Activities; Art education; Art Products; Ceremonies; Cultural Background; Cultural Differences; Cultural Education; Ethnic Groups; Folk Culture; Foreign Countries; Grounded Theory; Masks; Multicultural Education; Multiculturalism; Preservice Teachers; Professional Development; Reflection; Symbolic Learning; Teacher Education; Workshops; Workshops (Educational programs); Africa
• ISSN: 1934-5267; 1934-5267
• DOI: 10.18251/ijme.v17i2.953

Diverse education professionals learned about African cultures in a workshop experience by making African masks using authentic symbolism. Analysis of reflections to evaluate the workshop for applicability to participants with and without African heritage showed that both groups expanded their cultural knowledge of traditional African ethnic groups. Those participants with African heritage noted valuing of women while those without African heritage expressed appreciation for African culture, self-evaluation of work, and the desire to investigate their own heritages.