Contributions of the transformation of marbling art into origami art to formal education as a part of extracurricular activities

This study aims to examine the contributions of transforming the traditional Turkish art of Ebru into Origami within the scope of extracurricular activities, in terms of students' attitudes towards formal education and their individual development. By integrating Ebru, a marbling art rooted in Turkish culture, with Origami, an essential paper-folding art of Japanese tradition, the research explores how interdisciplinary art practices influence students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development. The research was conducted with a study group consisting of 79 male ninth-grade students enrolled in Elazığ Hacı Hulusi Yahyagil Anatolian Imam Hatip High School in the 2023–2024 academic year. A mixed method approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected using a 16-item pre-test and post-test questionnaire, while qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured interview form consisting of eight open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 with descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests, and qualitative data were examined through content analysis. The results indicated a significant increase in students' interest in artistic activities, creativity levels, social relations, and fine motor skills after the application. Furthermore, Ebru and Origami practices contributed positively to students' problem-solving skills and awareness of real-life applications. The findings from the interviews supported the quantitative results, revealing that students found the activity both enjoyable and educational. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that integrating interdisciplinary art practices into formal education through extracurricular programs is an effective approach to support students' holistic development.