Jordan Journal of the Arts

The Effectiveness of the Technological Approach in Vocational Workshops on Acquiring Practical Skills in Drawing and Decoration Among First-Year Female Vocational Secondary Students in Jordan

2025-09-14T09:20:21+03:00

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the technological approach in vocational workshops in acquiring practical skills among female students in the first-year of vocational secondary school in Jordan. The scope of the study was limited to two specific modules: Drawing and Painting and Design and Decoration. It seeks to determine the impact of this approach on the acquisition of practical skills, vocational concepts, and learning motivation among students in vocational secondary schools in Amman. To achieve these objectives, a practical skills scale was developed. The researcher used a quasi-experimental methodology, involving a sample of 60 students divided into two groups: an experimental group ( $n = 30$ ) taught using the technological approach, and a control group ( $n = 30$ ) taught via conventional methods. The validity and reliability of the instrument were verified. The scale was administered to both groups as pre-tests and post-tests. Results from the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) revealed a statistically significant difference at the significance level of (α ≤ 0.05) between the two groups. This difference, which favored the experimental group, is attributed to the technological approach in acquiring practical skills. These findings indicate the effectiveness of integrating a technological approach in vocational education. The study recommends integrating the technological approach in teaching vocational subjects and suggests conducting further research across different educational stages and incorporating new variables.

Symbolic meaning in Islamic miniature art: A semiotic reading of a miniature by Al-Wasiti

2026-02-05T12:34:12+03:00

Islamic miniature art crystallized as a distinct form of creative practice across various pictorial schools, despite numerous Orientalist perspectives that dismissed it as marginal or lacking in clear symbolic depth. The features of this creative dimension are evident in the artist's ability to employ diverse artistic, religious, literary, and philosophical contexts shaped by multifaceted socio-cultural and historical interactions. In this context, painting representation in this art form emerges as a plastic interpretation – an aesthetic practice aimed at grounding the artistic act through expressive conceptualizations that forged a new and distinctive artistic vision.

This research explores these issues and examines their manifestations in artistic practice through a plastic and semiotic analysis of a miniature by Al-Wasiti, found in the 43rd Maqama of al-Hariri's Maqamat manuscript. Through this reading, we trace the established significations and the creative vision they reveal, reflecting the artist’s capacity to elevate Islamic painting beyond the realm of simple literal practice. Within this semiotic framework, we employed mechanisms for analyzing plastic treatment, identifying their impact on constructing a symbolic dimension that reflects an aesthetic consciousness using representation as a medium for artistic and creative expression.

Evaluating the Impact of Teamwork Vs Individual Work on the Performnce of Interior Design Students

2025-11-20T17:34:34+03:00

This study aims to examine the comparative impact of group and individual work modes in the interior design studio environment on students’ academic performance and the development of their personal and professional skills. The analysis focuses on four primary axes: self-efficacy, learning experience, academic and social interaction, and design performance. Adopting a comparative quasi-experimental design, the study involved 67 male and female undergraduate students from Yarmouk University, Jordan, who were randomly assigned to two equivalent groups. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach, utilizing quantitative and qualitative tools including standardized surveys, design project analysis, and semi-structured interviews to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the differences between the two models. The results revealed that collaborative learning significantly enhanced students’ self-efficacy, particularly in communication, problem-solving, and time management skills, and fostered higher academic satisfaction and social engagement. Conversely, individual work was more effective in developing independence, technical precision, and self-regulated learning. Overall, findings indicate that a balanced integration of both modes fosters a more dynamic and holistic learning environment that promotes diverse aspects of academic and professional competence. The study concludes by recommending the adoption of hybrid learning strategies that utilize digital technologies and foster continuous interaction and feedback, thereby creating a more flexible studio environment responsive to the demands of contemporary interior design education.

The impact of music on individual and collective behavior in Jordanian society

2025-11-03T12:43:10+03:00

This study examines the significance of the arts in influencing the behavior of the individual and society through three primary axes: the impact of music on individual and social behavior, the psychological dimensions of music, and music therapy. A questionnaire was designed to assess the impact of the arts on individual and societal behaviours. The aim of the research was to understand the impact of the arts on behaviour, as there is a significant gap in the in-depth comprehension of the correlation between the arts and social behaviour. The research relied on the exploratory research approach, and the survey sample included 1,392 individuals who were categorized according to the variables including gender, age group, and educational qualification.

The findings of the research were significantly positive, as the arithmetic averages of the respondents' answers about the impact of the arts on individual and social behaviour ranged between 4.28 and 4.46. Based on the questionnaire responses, the research shows the substantial contribution of the arts across the three studied axes. Within the first axis –individual and social behavior– the data highlighted the role of the arts in fostering creativity, expressing identity, communicating emotions, and promoting empathy, social engagement, and collective expression. As for the second axis related to the psychological dimensions, the findings indicated that soft music contributes to relaxation, improving one's mood, and increasing focus while high-energy music stimulates physical movement, energy, and emotional release. Finally, in the third axis – arts therapy – the results showed that arts contribute to the treatment of certain psychologica conditions by improving mental well-being, promoting relaxation and attention, enhancing communication and self-confidence, and alleviating psychological stress.

Based on the research findings and with the support of the Deanship of Scientific Research, a song was produced featuring positive thematic content that addresses specific negative social phenomena in the Jordanian society. The composition employs a modern approach by integrating a classical orchestra with Western band instruments. Furthermore, it asserts Arabic cultural identity through the use of traditional Maqamat, utilizing both traditional and contemporary harmony in the instrumental and vocal writing.

Aesthetic Ugliness: Themes and Artistic Characteristics in the Drawings of Middle School Female Students: An Analytical Study

2025-10-28T10:20:57+03:00

This study investigates the themes of "aesthetic ugliness" as expressed in the drawings of middle school female students, identifying the primary artistic characteristics associated with these themes. Employing a qualitative methodology to analyze visual artistic expressions and their latent meanings, the research focused on a population of female students in public middle schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A purposive sample of 46 students, aged 12–15 years, was selected for the study.

The theoretical framework addresses several key pillars: the aesthetics of ugliness in artworks, themes reflecting aesthetic ugliness, the significance of analyzing student drawings, and the specific artistic characteristics of middle schoolers' work. Data collection relied on two researcher-developed instruments: a "List of Aesthetic Ugliness Themes" and a "List of Associated Artistic Characteristics."

The study identified several themes of sensory aesthetic ugliness, including pollution, disgust, and fear. Meanwhile, themes of moral (abstract) aesthetic ugliness emerged through representations of war, bullying, loneliness/loss, and hatred. Artistically, the students emphasized these themes through various symbols and visual elements, such as bold color palettes (dominance of black and red), jagged or distorted lines, and specific iconography including waste, insects, animals, flags, and medical instruments.

Based on these results, the study recommends training art education teachers in drawing analysis as a tool for the early detection of psychological and social issues. It further advocates for enhanced collaboration between art teachers and school counselors to provide comprehensive psychological and social support for students.

Computer Vision in the Classification of Saudi Traditional Fashion: An Analytical Study of Design Characteristics

2026-02-05T04:28:25+03:00

This research addresses a methodological gap in the documentation of Saudi traditional garments by developing and evaluating a classification model based on Computer Vision and Deep Learning (utilizing Microsoft Azure Custom Vision). The study examines three specific scenarios: visually distinct authentic costumes, visually similar authentic costumes, and modern designs inspired by heritage. A dataset of 205 images, labeled by name and geographical region, was utilized, with a data split of 80% for training and 20% for testing. Model performance was evaluated using standard metrics, including overall accuracy, the Confusion Matrix, and class-specific indicators for Precision, Recall, and the F1-Score. The results demonstrated high accuracy -exceeding 90%- for visually distinct costumes. However, experiments on similar garments revealed the limitations of general classification and highlighted the necessity for more granular analysis, such as Object Detection, Semantic Segmentation, and Fine-Grained Visual Categorization (FGVC). Furthermore, tests on modern designs proved the model's capability to quantify visual links between heritage origins and contemporary inspirations. The study recommends expanding the dataset, adopting advanced techniques for multi-component image processing, and integrating expert and consumer evaluations to enhance institutional applicability of the findings.

The Effectiveness of "Notebook" as an Auxiliary Educational Platform in Teaching Arabic Music History

2025-11-17T12:45:45+03:00

The current era is defined by a profound technological revolution, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) permeating sectors such as education, healthcare, and economics. AI has evolved into a daily assistant for organizations and individuals alike, with many institutions integrating AI capabilities into their digital platforms to facilitate rapid and highly accurate information retrieval. By leveraging "fed" data, smart assistants and chatbots provide immediate responses to specialized inquiries. In light of these advancements, this research proposes a method for utilizing Notebook (specifically AI-driven notebooks) as an auxiliary platform for teaching "Arabic Music History." The platform is designed to provide automated responses to student queries, offer simplified instructional videos for each lesson, and generate mental maps. Acting as a 24/7 teaching assistant, the platform is populated with the specific course curriculum to ensure students receive accurate and instantaneous academic support. Furthermore, students can utilize the platform to summarize complex segments of the syllabus and generate various assessment types, including bubble-sheet and essay questions, for self-directed practice. The study employed a quasi-experimental approach, utilizing both an experimental group and a control group. The primary objectives were to introduce the "Notebook" tool, implement it as a supportive platform for Arabic Music History, and measure its pedagogical effectiveness. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the mean scores of the students in the post-test significantly favored the experimental group. These findings validate the research hypothesis, demonstrating statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups in favor of the former.

Artificial Intelligence Technologies as an Approach to Children's Rooms Design Inspired by their Drawings

2026-01-28T12:47:05+03:00

The research explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software/programs in creating interior designs for children's rooms inspired by their own drawings. The study aims to identify AI tools and techniques applicable to the fields of interior design and to uncover the inherent characteristics of children's drawings that can serve as creative catalysts. Using the descriptive-analytical approach to examine AI technologies and a design case study methodology, the research demonstrates the generation of room designs based on children’s artwork. The research sample consisted of a single drawing selected from a population of artworks created by children within a family social circle, aged 4–12 years. The study utilized Leonardo AI as the primary tool to achieve its objectives. Key findings indicate that AI technologies can successfully generate viable, real-world interior designs that translate a child’s imagination into functional spaces. The AI demonstrated sophisticated creativity by interpreting the child’s drawing through both direct and indirect simulation. Furthermore, the results show that incorporating children’s artwork leads to the production of designs in terms of both form and color palettes that are uniquely suited to their specific needs and preferences. The study concludes with several recommendations, most notably the necessity of leveraging AI technologies to enrich the visual arts and various design processes. It further suggests conducting more studies to explore alternative AI platforms for interior design, as well as investigating how AI can utilize children’s drawings to innovate in other product sectors, such as children’s fashion, stationery, and school accessories.