CRITERIA OF ASSESSMENT FOR MALAYSIAN SCHOOLS’ MURAL PAINTING

Abstract

The research aims to identify criteria to evaluate mural painting in schools to improve the school environment and define the criteria most recognized as integral in creating high-quality mural paintings. This study used visual analysis to examine 20 mural designs with the topic of Malaysia Unity Road Safety, as well as another 10 murals with various themes from Malaysian secondary schools. This study also included in-depth interviews with three expert mural painters, observations, and document analysis. The results indicate that mural paintings can be assessed based on 11 major criteria: theme and message, originality, subject matter accuracy, creativity, colour, craftsmanship, mood, teamwork, environment, landscape, and scale. These criteria contribute to producing high-quality school murals and enhancing the school environment. However, six of these eleven criteria were particularly favoured by experts in the mural rubric assessment: theme and message, creativity, originality, craftsmanship, teamwork, and mood. Landscape criteria are defined as factors that enhance the beauty of a painted mural. Three-dimensional components are regarded as very valuable creative aspects. Rubrics and handbooks for instructors and students to develop great murals to beautify the school have been recommended.