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The MACE pedagogy: five key features for integrating geometry and visual arts

Design · All designs
Evidence · 2 claims (1 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 causal), q3 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

The MACE pedagogy is an explanatory framework for integrated geometry and visual arts instruction built on five features the article names: "visual arts perception, open activities, reflection, communication with peers, and a specific role of the teacher". Artworks are discussed whole-class with visual thinking strategies; open activities invite artwork production at the boundary of the two disciplines without predetermined solutions; lessons end with reflection making implicit knowledge explicit; peer communication supports creative thinking and geometrical language; and teachers act as facilitators asking open, activating questions. The framework underpins the MACE lesson series and PD program evaluated in the study.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

  • A specific facilitator role of the teacher: asking open and activating questions and using academic geometrical vocabulary
  • Whole-class discussion of artworks, e.g. with an interactive whiteboard and visual thinking strategies

Constraints

  • The article's evaluation found the PD component added no measurable student outcome effect beyond the lesson series and manual

Target Learners

  • fourth, fifth, and sixth grade elementary students

Learning Goals

  • geometrical ability (understanding and explaining geometric phenomena, geometrical vocabulary, creative geometrical problem solving)
  • visual arts perception

Claims

Examples

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Key Sources

  • Eveline M. Schoevers & Paul P. M. Leseman & Evelyn H. Kroesbergen. (2019). Enriching Mathematics Education with Visual Arts: Effects on Elementary School Students' Ability in Geometry and Visual Arts. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-019-10018-z
Page metadata
Field Value
type design
id mace-pedagogy-five-features
title The MACE pedagogy: five key features for integrating geometry and visual arts
description The MACE pedagogy is an explanatory framework for integrated geometry and visual arts instruction built on five features the article names: "visual arts perception, open activities, reflection, communication with peer...
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-17
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — eveline-m-schoevers-paul-p-m-leseman-evelyn-h-kroesbergen-2019

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