My Philosophy of Art Education

"With a subject matter as broad as life itself, the arts easily relate to aspects of almost everything else that is taught."  

 -Charles Fowler

            The education of children is a vastly important issue.  It directly affects individuals and communities alike.  Education prepares students for future education and the work world as well as teaching them to be responsible, contributing members of society.  A good education gives students the tools they need for life and instills in them the ability to be self-reliant individuals.  When students are educated, they are able to build connections between the subjects they study and the real world and apply what they have learned.  I believe that art not only enhances the education process, but that it is essential to a student’s education.

            Art education serves the purposes of education by building skills that can be utilized in all areas.  It teaches critical thinking and problem solving along with other higher order thinking skills.  It has the ability to connect all subjects on many different levels.  It also fosters creativity and helps students define their identity.  Art communicates ideas in a manner that is easily understood by all.  It has historical and socio-cultural connections which link into all areas of life.  It is these connections which make the arts as a whole so valuable.

            In order to serve these functions, I will design an art education program characterized by interdisciplinary practices and studio-based instruction.  I will incorporate the use of cultural exemplars and use curriculum bridging activities or help students make cultural an cross curricular   connections.  My hope is that forging real world connections that incorporate the students self-expression as individuals as will help them take ownership of their own identities as well as help them examine the world around them using a different perspective.  I also think implementing play and experimentation will foster creativity and help students discover new ways of thinking and utilizing materials.

A few examples of my vision translated into practical application are: using interdisciplinary instruction and lesson plans and collaboration with other teachers.  Another example of practical application of my vision is using critiques (both brief and in depth ones) to foster critical thinking.  Giving points for creativity, experimentation, and using knowledge base from another subject area will further encourage students to explore connections in related subject areas. 

            The amazing ability of art to relate to all subjects can be utilized and I plan to use its possibilities to help my students grow as individuals and as members of society.  By instilling in them the value of art, I hope to instill certain ways of critical thinking that will translate into other aspects of their lives and carry on even after they leave my classroom.