Teaching Philosophy of Art Education
“Learning is an open-ended spiral.”
The visual arts are a fundamental learning tool for students. They allow students to discover that problems do not always have a single answer; that it is important to think outside of the box, to work collaboratively as well as independently and to build self confidence. Simply, the arts prepare our students for the future.
Learning should be meaningful, engaging, and simple but rigorous for each student. My philosophy is inspired by socio-constructivist theories, democratic practices and inquiry based learning. Learning is experience, building upon prior knowledge in order to construct new knowledge; drawing from other disciplines and making connections so that learning becomes holistic for the student. In each classroom there are three main elements that are imperative to the learning: the teacher, the student, and the environment.
The Teacher
The teacher should be a reflective guide, facilitator of learning who provides opportunities for students to wonder, inquire, and discover knowledge in “hands on minds on” experiences. By creating learning scenarios around the interests of the students through listening and reflecting, the students will see the teacher as a learning partner.
The Student
The student is the central part of any classroom. Each student learns differently and each student wants to be a valued part of any learning experience. Through the use of Differentiated Instruction and choice, the teacher is able to step back and allow for students to become more autonomous and in control of their learning. We learn through emotional experiences and creating connections by using Big Ideas, dialogue, interdisciplinary connections and building upon the foundations of art, students explore and will develop skills that would help them far beyond the walls of the classroom.
Teaching is finding the balance between play and structure with in a world where everything is interwoven. As a teacher and artist I strive to find that balance in my art and teaching through reflection. The arts can provide that sense of balance and a window for one to express and create meaning in a breadth of ways. The arts are a universal language, which connects and develops relationships between cultures, disciplines, and people. The arts accept, embrace, and support all voices.
The visual arts are a fundamental learning tool for students. They allow students to discover that problems do not always have a single answer; that it is important to think outside of the box, to work collaboratively as well as independently and to build self confidence. Simply, the arts prepare our students for the future.
Learning should be meaningful, engaging, and simple but rigorous for each student. My philosophy is inspired by socio-constructivist theories, democratic practices and inquiry based learning. Learning is experience, building upon prior knowledge in order to construct new knowledge; drawing from other disciplines and making connections so that learning becomes holistic for the student. In each classroom there are three main elements that are imperative to the learning: the teacher, the student, and the environment.
The Teacher
The teacher should be a reflective guide, facilitator of learning who provides opportunities for students to wonder, inquire, and discover knowledge in “hands on minds on” experiences. By creating learning scenarios around the interests of the students through listening and reflecting, the students will see the teacher as a learning partner.
The Student
The student is the central part of any classroom. Each student learns differently and each student wants to be a valued part of any learning experience. Through the use of Differentiated Instruction and choice, the teacher is able to step back and allow for students to become more autonomous and in control of their learning. We learn through emotional experiences and creating connections by using Big Ideas, dialogue, interdisciplinary connections and building upon the foundations of art, students explore and will develop skills that would help them far beyond the walls of the classroom.
Teaching is finding the balance between play and structure with in a world where everything is interwoven. As a teacher and artist I strive to find that balance in my art and teaching through reflection. The arts can provide that sense of balance and a window for one to express and create meaning in a breadth of ways. The arts are a universal language, which connects and develops relationships between cultures, disciplines, and people. The arts accept, embrace, and support all voices.