Intellect

Jill Smith is Principal Lecturer in the School of Arts, Languages and Literacies at the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland, New Zealand. A Pakeha (European) New Zealander, her teaching and research interests focus upon the connections between art, culture, curriculum and education policy. In particular, she is interested in the relationship between bicultural (Maori/European) policy and visual arts practice, issues of culture, diversity and difference in pedagogical practices, and the A/R/T connection between art practice, research and teaching Although New Zealand is becoming an increasingly multicultural nation it has a strong commitment to biculturalism. Jill's most recent research is on how and whether visual arts teachers take into account the ethnic diversity and cultural differences of students. Her current research focuses on Asian students' perspectives on visual arts education in New Zealand secondary schools and tertiary art/design institutions.