Teaching & Learning 'in' & 'through' visual arts
Why Teach The Visual Arts?
Visual arts is imperative for providing students with knowledge and skills to become ‘creative’ and confident learners (MCEETYA, 2008). According to ACARA (2015), visual arts afford students with the opportunity to express their ideas through creative methods. Simultaneously, this promotes critical reasoning, conceptual understanding and practical skills. It is important to teach visual arts in order to inspire, motivate and ‘…enrich the lives of students’ (ACARA, 2015). Visual arts equips students with the skills to become learners in the 21st century, who have an understanding of the world and its culture. Moreover, visual arts plays a crucial role in developing students cognitive and motor development, which are essential for their development into young adults (Ruppert, 2006).
What is the Difference Between Teaching ‘In’ and ‘Through’ The Arts?
It is important to recognise the difference between teaching ‘in’ and ‘through’ the arts. Teaching ‘in’ the arts is based on the learning and teaching of art practices, elements and principles. Teaching ‘in’ the arts involves students learning to design, produce, create and make artwork to develop their kinaesthetic and aesthetic learning (ACARA, 2015). Conversely, teaching ‘through’ the arts involves integrating arts education into other learning areas. Teaching ‘through’ the arts encourages students to develop an understanding of the curriculum content areas by interpreting and responding to artwork. Moreover, teaching ‘through’ the arts enriches student learning by promoting the development of knowledge through creative and hands on experiences (Klopper & Power 2010).
References
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority 2015, F-10 Curriculum: The Arts, Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority, retrieved 20 January 2016 <http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/the- arts/introduction>
Klopper, C & Power, B 2010, 'Illuminating the gap: An overview of classroom- based arts education research in Australia', International Journal of Education Through Art, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 293-308, retrieved January 13 2016, <http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/handle/10072/38939/69437_1. pdf?se>
Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs 2008, Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians, Education Services Australia, retrieved 26 May 2015 <http://www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/national_declaration_on_the_educational_goals_for_young_australians.pdf>
Ruppert, S 2006, Critical Evidence: How the ARTS Benefit Student Achievement, The National Assembly of State ARt Agencies, retrieved January 20 2016, <http://www.nasaa-arts.org/Publications/critical- evidence.pdf>