Philosophy
Art fills a significant gap in education. Art education is imperative because it allows students to explore modes of thinking that are not addressed in any other areas of education. The fostering of creativity, aesthetics, and the study of visual culture, amongst other topics, are all rarely examined in other areas of curriculum; because of this, students unable to experience art education may miss out on the development of autonomous thinking which can be critical to a successfully functioning democratic society. Properly facilitated art education can, and should, provide students with improved skills which include, but are not exclusive to: a greater cultural understanding, personal autonomy, a heightened aesthetic awareness, proficiency in artistic processes and techniques, a general knowledge of the benefits of art education.
Cultural understanding is not addressed nearly as much as it should be in the United States. The artroom provides the perfect setting to explore diversity. Art and artists from different times and places can provide insight into how the world got to where it is today. The study of historical and present day artworks can help students see the commonalities that people share and better understand the differences in ways of life. Talking and analyzing various cultures and the way art can impact them, when guided by a knowledgeable facilitator, provides students with a greater knowledge base from which to make their future judgments. Developing cultural understanding in the young actually has the potential to change the world.
Education is supposed to provide students with preparation for the future., yet much of what is covered in K-12 classrooms becomes obsolete within the following years, with the exception of the basic staples of education (i.e. basic math functions and language skills). What are not lost are the thinking processes that are formed during those crucial years of development. Thus, the honing of autonomous thinking can be extremely beneficial to students. Individuality in thought is very rarely explored in educational systems, but that should not need to be the norm. Teachers can help students develop their own belief systems and thought processes in many different ways. Autonomy can be derived from the practice of problem solving, the development of critical thinking, and the building of confidence, among other things. It is up to the teacher to decide the best way to help students reach a point of independent thinking.
The building of aesthetic awareness can aid in the development of artistic understanding and personal/artistic confidence. Students who are able to explore and question the arts grow to better understand themselves and others. Aesthetics involves personal reflection and also aids in the development of higher ordered thinking. The study of aesthetics helps students understand their reactions to the visual world. The study of how others break down and react to artworks reflecting different aesthetics also provides students with a greater understanding and tolerance of others.
With all of the positive things that can be achieved through K-12 education, and specifically art education, artmaking should not be forgotten. Art educators should aim to provide students with the best possible art technical education. Proficiency should be attained in various mediums. Students should be able to explore many techniques and styles to visually explore ideas and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Art students need not all become professional artists, but the ability to create successful imagery can be a very useful asset in many aspects of life.
Students that become functionally successful in the arts can use all of the skills they attain in future endeavors. Some students may go on to college and focus on the arts, yet the critical thinking and technical skills gained will aid in any course of study at the college level. Some students may go straight into the work force. Those students will also benefit from the confidence and problem-solving skills they attained from their art education. No matter what the students’ course of action, they should be made aware of the potential impact the arts can have on their lives. Students should also be clear that the arts can provide fulfilling career options. So often the importance and potential of the arts in life are overlooked. Students exiting a K-12 educational program should be made aware of as many options as possible.
By focusing on the previous, students of various backgrounds, lifestyles, technical skills and learning abilities can be reached. Every student learns differently, thus a teaching style that addresses various learning styles is a must. Lastly, it is a must that an art teacher stay current with art education literature, practice, techniques, and educational standards if he/she is to maintain success and relevancy throughout his/her career.
Cultural understanding is not addressed nearly as much as it should be in the United States. The artroom provides the perfect setting to explore diversity. Art and artists from different times and places can provide insight into how the world got to where it is today. The study of historical and present day artworks can help students see the commonalities that people share and better understand the differences in ways of life. Talking and analyzing various cultures and the way art can impact them, when guided by a knowledgeable facilitator, provides students with a greater knowledge base from which to make their future judgments. Developing cultural understanding in the young actually has the potential to change the world.
Education is supposed to provide students with preparation for the future., yet much of what is covered in K-12 classrooms becomes obsolete within the following years, with the exception of the basic staples of education (i.e. basic math functions and language skills). What are not lost are the thinking processes that are formed during those crucial years of development. Thus, the honing of autonomous thinking can be extremely beneficial to students. Individuality in thought is very rarely explored in educational systems, but that should not need to be the norm. Teachers can help students develop their own belief systems and thought processes in many different ways. Autonomy can be derived from the practice of problem solving, the development of critical thinking, and the building of confidence, among other things. It is up to the teacher to decide the best way to help students reach a point of independent thinking.
The building of aesthetic awareness can aid in the development of artistic understanding and personal/artistic confidence. Students who are able to explore and question the arts grow to better understand themselves and others. Aesthetics involves personal reflection and also aids in the development of higher ordered thinking. The study of aesthetics helps students understand their reactions to the visual world. The study of how others break down and react to artworks reflecting different aesthetics also provides students with a greater understanding and tolerance of others.
With all of the positive things that can be achieved through K-12 education, and specifically art education, artmaking should not be forgotten. Art educators should aim to provide students with the best possible art technical education. Proficiency should be attained in various mediums. Students should be able to explore many techniques and styles to visually explore ideas and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Art students need not all become professional artists, but the ability to create successful imagery can be a very useful asset in many aspects of life.
Students that become functionally successful in the arts can use all of the skills they attain in future endeavors. Some students may go on to college and focus on the arts, yet the critical thinking and technical skills gained will aid in any course of study at the college level. Some students may go straight into the work force. Those students will also benefit from the confidence and problem-solving skills they attained from their art education. No matter what the students’ course of action, they should be made aware of the potential impact the arts can have on their lives. Students should also be clear that the arts can provide fulfilling career options. So often the importance and potential of the arts in life are overlooked. Students exiting a K-12 educational program should be made aware of as many options as possible.
By focusing on the previous, students of various backgrounds, lifestyles, technical skills and learning abilities can be reached. Every student learns differently, thus a teaching style that addresses various learning styles is a must. Lastly, it is a must that an art teacher stay current with art education literature, practice, techniques, and educational standards if he/she is to maintain success and relevancy throughout his/her career.
