art in school essay

New evidence of the benefits of arts education

Subscribe to the brown center on education policy newsletter, brian kisida and bk brian kisida assistant professor, truman school of public affairs - university of missouri daniel h. bowen dhb daniel h. bowen assistant professor, college of education and human development - texas a&m university.

February 12, 2019

Engaging with art is essential to the human experience. Almost as soon as motor skills are developed, children communicate through artistic expression. The arts challenge us with different points of view, compel us to empathize with “others,” and give us the opportunity to reflect on the human condition. Empirical evidence supports these claims: Among adults, arts participation is related to behaviors that contribute to the health of civil society , such as increased civic engagement, greater social tolerance, and reductions in other-regarding behavior. Yet, while we recognize art’s transformative impacts, its place in K-12 education has become increasingly tenuous.

A critical challenge for arts education has been a lack of empirical evidence that demonstrates its educational value. Though few would deny that the arts confer intrinsic benefits, advocating “art for art’s sake” has been insufficient for preserving the arts in schools—despite national surveys showing an overwhelming majority of the public agrees that the arts are a necessary part of a well-rounded education.

Over the last few decades, the proportion of students receiving arts education has shrunk drastically . This trend is primarily attributable to the expansion of standardized-test-based accountability, which has pressured schools to focus resources on tested subjects. As the saying goes, what gets measured gets done. These pressures have disproportionately affected access to the arts in a negative way for students from historically underserved communities. For example, a federal government report found that schools designated under No Child Left Behind as needing improvement and schools with higher percentages of minority students were more likely to experience decreases in time spent on arts education.

We recently conducted the first ever large-scale, randomized controlled trial study of a city’s collective efforts to restore arts education through community partnerships and investments. Building on our previous investigations of the impacts of enriching arts field trip experiences, this study examines the effects of a sustained reinvigoration of schoolwide arts education. Specifically, our study focuses on the initial two years of Houston’s Arts Access Initiative and includes 42 elementary and middle schools with over 10,000 third- through eighth-grade students. Our study was made possible by generous support of the Houston Endowment , the National Endowment for the Arts , and the Spencer Foundation .

Due to the program’s gradual rollout and oversubscription, we implemented a lottery to randomly assign which schools initially participated. Half of these schools received substantial influxes of funding earmarked to provide students with a vast array of arts educational experiences throughout the school year. Participating schools were required to commit a monetary match to provide arts experiences. Including matched funds from the Houston Endowment, schools in the treatment group had an average of $14.67 annually per student to facilitate and enhance partnerships with arts organizations and institutions. In addition to arts education professional development for school leaders and teachers, students at the 21 treatment schools received, on average, 10 enriching arts educational experiences across dance, music, theater, and visual arts disciplines. Schools partnered with cultural organizations and institutions that provided these arts learning opportunities through before- and after-school programs, field trips, in-school performances from professional artists, and teaching-artist residencies. Principals worked with the Arts Access Initiative director and staff to help guide arts program selections that aligned with their schools’ goals.

Our research efforts were part of a multisector collaboration that united district administrators, cultural organizations and institutions, philanthropists, government officials, and researchers. Collective efforts similar to Houston’s Arts Access Initiative have become increasingly common means for supplementing arts education opportunities through school-community partnerships. Other examples include Boston’s Arts Expansion Initiative , Chicago’s Creative Schools Initiative , and Seattle’s Creative Advantage .

Through our partnership with the Houston Education Research Consortium, we obtained access to student-level demographics, attendance and disciplinary records, and test score achievement, as well as the ability to collect original survey data from all 42 schools on students’ school engagement and social and emotional-related outcomes.

We find that a substantial increase in arts educational experiences has remarkable impacts on students’ academic, social, and emotional outcomes. Relative to students assigned to the control group, treatment school students experienced a 3.6 percentage point reduction in disciplinary infractions, an improvement of 13 percent of a standard deviation in standardized writing scores, and an increase of 8 percent of a standard deviation in their compassion for others. In terms of our measure of compassion for others, students who received more arts education experiences are more interested in how other people feel and more likely to want to help people who are treated badly.

When we restrict our analysis to elementary schools, which comprised 86 percent of the sample and were the primary target of the program, we also find that increases in arts learning positively and significantly affect students’ school engagement, college aspirations, and their inclinations to draw upon works of art as a means for empathizing with others. In terms of school engagement, students in the treatment group were more likely to agree that school work is enjoyable, makes them think about things in new ways, and that their school offers programs, classes, and activities that keep them interested in school. We generally did not find evidence to suggest significant impacts on students’ math, reading, or science achievement, attendance, or our other survey outcomes, which we discuss in our full report .

As education policymakers increasingly rely on empirical evidence to guide and justify decisions, advocates struggle to make the case for the preservation and restoration of K-12 arts education. To date, there is a remarkable lack of large-scale experimental studies that investigate the educational impacts of the arts. One problem is that U.S. school systems rarely collect and report basic data that researchers could use to assess students’ access and participation in arts educational programs. Moreover, the most promising outcomes associated with arts education learning objectives extend beyond commonly reported outcomes such as math and reading test scores. There are strong reasons to suspect that engagement in arts education can improve school climate, empower students with a sense of purpose and ownership, and enhance mutual respect for their teachers and peers. Yet, as educators and policymakers have come to recognize the importance of expanding the measures we use to assess educational effectiveness, data measuring social and emotional benefits are not widely collected. Future efforts should continue to expand on the types of measures used to assess educational program and policy effectiveness.

These findings provide strong evidence that arts educational experiences can produce significant positive impacts on academic and social development. Because schools play a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of citizens and leaders, it is imperative that we reflect on the fundamental purpose of a well-rounded education. This mission is critical in a time of heightened intolerance and pressing threats to our core democratic values. As policymakers begin to collect and value outcome measures beyond test scores, we are likely to further recognize the value of the arts in the fundamental mission of education.

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The Importance of Art Education in the Classroom

November 30, 2023

That deceptively simple, four-word query confronts a topic that’s occupied some of the world’s greatest creators and philosophers since Plato. How we answer this question can have much bigger consequences than whether you get to buy a piece of artwork from Banksy’s online store. The issue of art’s value becomes far more pressing when policymakers and administrators decide how to allocate time and funding for art education in schools.

Art teachers must be ready to advocate for committing the necessary resources to prioritize the value of creativity in the classroom. You may have to explain the importance of art education in a school’s curriculum and present the research to back up those claims. We can become powerful advocates for the power of art and improved student outcomes by investigating the many benefits that come out of integrating more creativity into the school day and improving our classroom strategies .

Why Is Art Education In Schools Important?

Anyone who’s passionate about the arts recalls formative moments of experiencing a work of art pushing through a creative challenge. When we’re exposed to remarkable artworks or have opportunities to create, we find that art is crucial to individual growth and development and can even impact our health.

A literature review from Frontiers in Psychology outlined several studies linking aesthetic experiences with broad improvements in subjects’ emotional states that promote physical and psychological well-being. Giving learners the time, space, and materials for creative expression can lower stress, improve memory, and make them feel more socially connected. Instructors can build their careers on bringing those experiences to students in a variety of settings, like galleries, museums, or events organized by nonprofit and community organizations.

Appreciation for art also makes a significant difference in people’s lives on a macro level. Entire societies may stand to gain from an investment in the arts. Drawing on data from the General Social Survey, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department of Public Administration linked participation as either an audience member or creator to higher levels of civic engagement and social tolerance . This work suggests that children learning how to draw, paint, sing, or just appreciate the works made by others can help us become not just happier and healthier, but also better people. Learn about UF’s Online Master of Arts in Art Education program

How Does Art Education Help Students?

When surveyed by the nonprofit organization Americans for the Arts, members of the U.S. public overwhelmingly agreed that the arts are one aspect of a well-rounded K-12 education . In addition, a recent study conducted in Houston public schools showed that students who participated in arts education see the following benefits:

• Improved writing achievement
• Reduced disciplinary infractions
• More student engagement
• Improved college aspirations
• No drop in standardized test scores

Yet, participation in the visual and performing arts is often treated as merely supplemental to other aspects of learning. As a result, there are major differences in access to art and music classes across the country.

2019 findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that eighth graders in the Northeast were much more likely to report being enrolled in a visual arts course than those in the South. Disparities were also tied to race, ethnicity, family income, and whether a school is located in a city, suburb, town, or rural area.

Meanwhile, the Nation’s Report Card shows that U.S. students continue to score lower than many of their peers in Europe and Asia on standardized tests despite years of pressure on educators to close the achievement gap. But seeking to improve student performance in math and reading does not have to come at the expense of art education.

In fact, researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, argue that instruction becomes more effective when educators integrate creative activities and make them central to academic development. Across disciplines, including STEM, there’s room to reimagine classes with a strong emphasis on drawing, painting, playing music, performing drama, and other creative pursuits. Encouraging students to use their imagination can help them actively engage with new concepts and discover connections between ideas as well as provide advantages for their social and emotional well-being.

One example of effectively integrating arts and creative expression with other fields as a pedagogical strategy can be seen in the collaboration between University of Florida faculty members Susan K. Jacobson, who studies wildlife ecology and conservation, and Robert C. Mueller, who teaches printmaking. The UF professors collaborated on an interdisciplinary project in climate change communication in which groups of graduate students from both the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and the College of the Arts visited the university’s Seahorse Key Marine Laboratory. The students participated in learning activities like scientific lectures, discussions, and making collages before working in small groups to create environmental communication materials for visitors.

As this example shows, students benefit from learning to embrace insights from multiple disciplines, and this can be valuable when they go on to pursue jobs. A 2019 survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers showed that employers are interested in hiring professionals with skills that can be strengthened through participation in the arts, such as written communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and taking initiative. Art teachers can help students become more well-rounded and capable individuals by teaching them to develop original ideas through creative projects and practices.

The Importance of Art Education in Early Childhood and Beyond

It’s never too soon to introduce kids to the possibilities of creative expression. As outlined in a literature review from the National Endowment for the Arts, a variety of studies demonstrate the value of embedding artistic practice into early childhood education . Imaginative activities for young learners can lead to better skills in social interactions and emotional regulation.

Lessons in the arts introduce K-12 students to problem-solving techniques, which help them to see the world in new ways, and provide access to creative ways of knowing. Kids discover how art can communicate their own ideas and may become interested in creating increasingly realistic depictions and mastering new techniques. By high school, young artists can think critically about their own work and that of others, establishing a unique point of view and a sense of community with other creative individuals.

The National Core Arts Standards provide a framework for advancing students’ artistic understanding . This structure breaks down the developmental stages from Pre K through high school into 10 anchor standards. In each stage, students build creative habits as they learn to:

• Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work
• Organize and develop ideas and work
• Refine and complete artistic work
• Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation
• Convey meaning through the presentation
• Perceive and analyze artistic work
• Interpret intent and meaning
• Apply criteria to evaluate work
• Make art by synthesizing and relating knowledge and personal experiences
• Deepen understanding by relating artistic ideas to societal, historical, and cultural contexts

Pediatrician Dr. Perri Klass outlined the benefits of art education in schools in the New York Times, noting improvements for overall motivation, thinking, and academic achievement . An arts-integrated curriculum that asks students to draw or sing as part of the learning process may enhance their ability to recall material such as scientific principles or vocabulary. Foregrounding creativity can be especially effective for students who struggle to retain information from traditional lectures and reading assignments alone.

Art does matter in the classroom, delivering a wide range of advantages for students. Educators can make the most of that potential by equipping themselves to offer creative practice as a central feature in the curriculum and show decisionmakers how these initiatives can achieve transformative results. The University of Florida’s online Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE) program helps teachers make a difference. This program features courses that prepare educators to work in a variety of learning environments , support students of all ages, incorporate digital tools into their pedagogy, and foster critical thinking.

About the Online Master’s in Art Education from the University of Florida

The University of Florida’s online Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE) program engages students purposefully in art education theory and practice, contemporary art, and their own studio work. Our dynamic online learning environment fosters meaningful interaction with peers and our world-class faculty as members of a supportive, close-knit community of art educators, artists, cultural workers, and scholars. This flexible program brings you the advanced concepts and immersive, hands-on experiences you need to flourish academically and creatively.

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Pros and Cons of Art Education in Schools

Art education in schools is like a vibrant canvas of pros and cons. It boosts critical thinking , memory , and creativity, nurturing a rainbow of skills. From fostering empathy to empowering self-expression, it’s a vivid journey of personal growth. Yet, budget constraints can dull the colors, limiting resources and staff. The challenge is finding the right balance with core subjects while still painting a masterpiece of cultural appreciation. Art education can be the brush that colors your future success, enhancing problem-solving, communication, and confidence. It’s like mixing paints; the more you blend, the richer the outcome.

Table of Contents

• Pros: Enhances critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
• Cons: Budget constraints lead to reduced resources and limited access.
• Pros: Nurtures self-expression, individuality, and personal growth.
• Cons: Balancing art education with core subjects can be challenging.
• Pros: Develops transferable cognitive abilities and boosts future career opportunities.

Enhances Cognitive Development

Overall, art education in schools has been shown to greatly enhance cognitive development in students. By engaging in artistic activities such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, students are not only expressing their creativity but also honing their critical thinking skills . When faced with artistic challenges , students must analyze, problem-solve , and think outside the box to create their masterpieces. This process stimulates various regions of the brain, improving memory, attention span, and overall cognitive function .

Moreover, art education encourages students to observe, interpret, and communicate their thoughts and emotions effectively. These skills are essential for success in various academic subjects and real-world situations . Through art, students learn to pay attention to details, make connections between different concepts, and think abstractly. These cognitive abilities are transferable to other areas of learning, fostering a well-rounded and adaptable mind.

Ultimately, art education not only enriches students’ lives creatively but also empowers them with the cognitive tools needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Fosters Creativity and Innovation

Encouraging students to engage in artistic pursuits nurtures their ability to think creatively and innovate in various aspects of their lives. Art education provides a platform for students to explore their imagination, experiment with different materials, and express their unique perspectives . By delving into the world of art, students learn to think outside the box, problem-solve creatively , and adapt to new challenges with innovative solutions.

Creativity is like a muscle that grows stronger with practice, and art classes offer the perfect training ground for flexing those imaginative muscles . Whether through painting, sculpture, music, or dance, students are encouraged to push boundaries, take risks, and embrace new ideas . These skills transcend the art studio and can be applied to various subjects and real-life situations.

Innovation often stems from a spark of creativity, and art education ignites that spark within students. By fostering a culture of experimentation and originality, schools that prioritize art education cultivate a generation of forward-thinkers and innovators ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with fresh ideas and a creative mindset.

Improves Emotional Intelligence

Art education in schools isn’t just about painting pretty pictures or crafting sculptures; it’s about honing our emotional intelligence . By engaging in artistic activities, students learn to understand and empathize with others, enhancing their empathy skills.

Additionally, art allows for self-expression and encourages students to explore their emotions, ultimately cultivating social awareness in a colorful and creative way.

Enhances Empathy Skills

Enhancing empathy skills through art education in schools has been shown to greatly improve students’ emotional intelligence . By engaging in artistic activities like painting, drawing, or acting, students can step into the shoes of others, understand different perspectives, and develop a deeper sense of compassion and empathy towards their peers.

Through art, students have the opportunity to express emotions , thoughts, and experiences in a safe and creative way , which can help them connect with their own feelings and recognize similar emotions in others.

For example, when creating a piece of art based on a certain theme, students can explore how that theme makes them feel and then consider how others might react to it as well.

Moreover, art projects often involve collaboration and teamwork, encouraging students to communicate effectively, listen to different ideas, and work together towards a common goal. These experiences not only foster empathy but also help students build essential social and emotional skills that are valuable both inside and outside the classroom.

Fosters Self-Expression Abilities

Students engaging in art education in schools have the opportunity to enhance their emotional intelligence through the fostering of self-expression abilities. Art allows students to tap into their inner creativity, giving them a platform to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a unique and personal way.

Here are five ways art education fosters self-expression abilities:

• Encourages personal reflection: Art prompts students to reflect on their emotions and experiences, helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
• Boosts confidence: Through art, students learn to trust their instincts and make bold choices, ultimately boosting their self-confidence.
• Provides a safe outlet: Art serves as a safe and healthy outlet for students to vent their emotions and release stress in a constructive manner.
• Promotes self-awareness: Engaging in art activities encourages students to explore their thoughts and feelings, leading to greater self-awareness.
• Enhances communication skills: Art allows students to communicate complex emotions and ideas visually, improving their ability to express themselves effectively.

Cultivates Social Awareness

In addition, developing social awareness through art education in schools plays a significant role in enhancing students’ emotional intelligence by fostering empathy and understanding of others’ perspectives. Art allows students to explore different cultures, histories, and societal issues , opening their minds to diverse viewpoints and experiences.

By creating art that reflects social issues or by interpreting the works of artists who address such topics, students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and the challenges that others may face.

Through collaborative art projects , students learn to communicate, compromise, and appreciate the contributions of others, fostering a sense of community and empathy. Additionally, discussing artworks and sharing interpretations help students practice active listening and respect for differing opinions .

These skills are invaluable in building strong relationships and resolving conflicts both in and out of the classroom.

Encourages Self-Expression and Individuality

Let’s imagine a world where every brushstroke, every color choice, and every creative decision is a celebration of who we are as individuals.

Art education in schools does just that – it nurtures our creativity , allowing us to express ourselves in ways that are as unique as our fingerprints.

Through art, we not only grow as artists but also as individuals, embracing our quirks and differences with pride and confidence.

Fosters Creativity and Uniqueness

Through the exploration of various artistic mediums, art education in schools nurtures the inherent creativity of students, fostering a sense of uniqueness by encouraging self-expression and individuality. Art classes provide a safe space for students to let their imagination run wild, to paint outside the lines, and to sculpt their ideas into tangible forms. This creative freedom allows each student to express themselves in a way that is authentic and true to their own experiences and emotions.

• Art education encourages students to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas.
• It teaches them to embrace their mistakes and see them as opportunities for growth.
• Art classes help students develop their own artistic style and voice.
• They learn to appreciate the beauty in imperfection and the uniqueness of every individual’s perspective.
• Through art, students can communicate their thoughts and feelings in ways that words sometimes cannot capture.

In essence, art education empowers students to embrace their creativity, celebrate their individuality, and express themselves boldly and uniquely.

Promotes Personal Growth

Art education in schools serves as a catalyst for personal growth by nurturing students’ capacity for self-expression and individuality . Through art classes, students have the opportunity to explore their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a creative and non-judgmental environment . This avenue for self-expression allows them to communicate their unique perspectives and emotions in ways that words sometimes cannot capture.

Encouraging individuality, art education empowers students to embrace their differences and celebrate what makes them special. It teaches them that it’s okay to think outside the box, to be bold, and to express themselves authentically . By fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence, art education helps students develop a strong sense of identity and self-awareness.

Moreover, the process of creating art can be incredibly therapeutic, providing students with a healthy outlet for managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. It allows them to channel their feelings into something beautiful and meaningful, promoting mental well-being and personal growth.

Art education truly nurtures the soul, encouraging students to embrace their true selves and shine brightly in the world.

Budget Constraints and Resource Allocation

How do budget constraints impact the allocation of resources for art education in schools? When it comes to funding for art programs, schools often find themselves facing tough decisions on where to allocate limited resources. Let’s explore how these budget constraints can influence the availability and quality of art education for students.

• Reduction in Art Supplies: Limited budgets may lead to a decrease in the variety and quantity of art supplies available to students.
• Cutbacks on Specialized Staff: Schools might have to make tough choices, potentially reducing the number of specialized art teachers or support staff.
• Limited Access to Technology: Lack of funds could restrict students’ access to technological tools and software for digital art creation.
• Decreased Opportunities for Field Trips: Budget constraints may result in fewer opportunities for students to visit museums, galleries, or art workshops.
• Impact on Extracurricular Activities: Financial limitations could affect the availability of art clubs, workshops, or after-school programs for students to further explore their creativity.

Balancing Art Education With Core Subjects

When considering the integration of art education in schools, finding a balance between the arts and core academic subjects is an important endeavor that requires thoughtful planning and allocation of resources. Both art and core subjects like math and language arts play essential roles in a student’s development. Striking a balance ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that nurtures their creativity while also fostering essential skills for their academic growth.

Let’s take a look at how we can balance art education with core subjects effectively:

Potential Impact on Future Career Opportunities

Considering the growing demand for individuals with diverse skill sets in today’s competitive job market, the incorporation of art education in schools can greatly impact students’ future career opportunities. Art education nurtures creativity and critical thinking, skills highly valued in fields ranging from technology to marketing.

Here are five ways art education can shape a student’s career path:

• Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills : Art encourages students to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Improved Communication Abilities : Through visual expression, students learn to communicate ideas effectively, an essential skill in any profession.
• Boosted Confidence : Art empowers students to trust their instincts and take risks, crucial qualities for success in the workplace.
• Cultivated Collaboration : Working on art projects fosters teamwork and cooperation, skills sought after by employers in all industries.
• Diversified Skill Set : Art education equips students with a versatile skill set that can open doors to various career paths, from design to education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can art education positively impact students with learning disabilities.

Art education can positively impact students with learning disabilities by providing alternative ways to express themselves, fostering creativity, improving cognitive skills, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing social interactions. It can cater to diverse learning styles and promote holistic development.

How Can Art Education Support Students With Mental Health Challenges?

Art education can support students with mental health challenges by providing a creative outlet for expression, reducing stress, building self-esteem, fostering emotional growth, and promoting mindfulness. Art therapy techniques can also be integrated to enhance mental well-being.

Does Art Education Help Students Develop Critical Thinking Skills?

Art education provides students with opportunities to explore creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression, ultimately fostering critical thinking skills. Through analyzing and interpreting art, students develop the ability to think critically and express their ideas effectively.

Are There Benefits to Integrating Art Education With STEM Subjects?

Integrating art education with STEM subjects has shown numerous benefits, fostering creativity, innovation, and interdisciplinary skills. It enhances problem-solving abilities, encourages out-of-the-box thinking, and helps students develop a holistic approach to learning that is essential in today’s complex world.

How Can Art Education Address Cultural Diversity and Inclusion in Schools?

Art education can promote cultural diversity and inclusion in schools by fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation for different perspectives and backgrounds. It provides a platform for students to express their unique identities and explore diverse artistic traditions.

To sum up, it is essential for schools to offer art education as it provides numerous benefits such as cognitive development , creativity, and emotional intelligence .

However, schools must also address challenges like budget constraints and finding a balance between art and core subjects. Despite these obstacles, the significance of art education in nurturing self-expression and individuality cannot be underestimated.

It is crucial for schools to find a balance that allows students to explore their creativity while also preparing them for future career opportunities .

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Educational Wave Team

The Importance of Arts Education Essay

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Introduction

The importance of teaching arts education.

Art has been in existence for since the beginning of human civilisation. The field, in most cases, is viewed as a way of action and knowing. Art has played a key role in the development of human identities. It has also been significant to the evolution of cultural practices in all human societies. Consequently, art is regarded as one of the defining elements of humanity. To some advocates of this field, art is believed to be the window to the soul of humanity. According to Nathan (2008), art is used to communicate and provide a framework for the understanding of passions, emotions, and the enduring conflicts that humans have always indulged in. The scholars who advocate for the centrality of arts in the development of humanity observe that even the cavemen recorded their history, experiences, and events through drawings of pageants that marked the passing of time and seasons (Anderson, 2014).

In this paper, the author explores the importance of art its contribution in the development of cognitive and cultural attributes among children. To this end, the author will demonstrate that art provides human societies with lens through which they can view both historical and contemporary issues. Finally, the paper will be used to support the argument that teaching art processes can improve the ability of students to shape the learning process and the way it is conceived in schools.

Arts in Traditional and Contemporary Societies

Arts are a common feature in both traditional and modern societies. In most traditional communities, trumpets and drums were used to herald the commencement of battle. In addition, birth and death in these societies were received with songs and dance. Consequently, theatre was viewed as an avenue through which solutions to dilemmas faced by mankind were provided. It can also be observed that in most communities, the portraits of heroes, kings, villains, and other important figures in the society were painted to record these particular moments in time ( Learning area, n.d).

To recognise the centrality of arts to experiences among humans, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted several decades ago ( The future of the Australian curriculum, 2014). The declaration observed that everybody has a right to participate in the cultural life of their community. In addition, each person should be able to enjoy and share arts in the scientific advancement of its benefits. In the western world, arts subjects have been neglected and pushed to the periphery of the academic field in favour of the sciences. The curriculums used in most schools focus on literacy, sciences, and numeracy. However, in the last few decades, the intrinsic values of arts have been recognised (Ross, 2014).

According to some advocates of this field, arts have the ability to release people’s imaginations to new perspectives. In addition, they can help people identify new solutions and alternative views to life. As a result, the vistas that could be opened, as well as the connections that could be made, are phenomenal. It is also noted that the encounter between the individual and the world around them would be newly informed with the help of arts. In addition, immersion in arts has been found to improve individuals’ sense of enjoyment and identity. The immersion can also offer positive changes in the direction taken by the life of the individual (Anderson, 2014). In most cases, it is argued that arts can transform learning in education contexts. They can also ensure improve the link between the learners and the curriculum.

A Working Definition of Arts

There are many ways through which arts can be defined. According to Bamford (2006), arts can be used to reflect the uniqueness of the cultural circumstances of a particular nation. Bamford (2006) further observes that art is characterised by fluidity and dynamism. In their attempts to arrive at a working definition of arts, Bamford (2006) recognises the impossibility of giving static definitions to this field. The reason is that the definitions become obsolete as soon as they are provided. As such, scholars should be conscious of the dynamism of contemporary art practices. In addition, the art terminology can be used to represent the important creative disciplines. The disciplines include dance, literature, drama, music, visual arts, film, as well as other forms of media arts. All these disciplines have a significant role in formal education contexts. They also play a significant role in the cohesion of the community.

The forms of art described above can be viewed as a representation of different languages. Their varying modes are used to communicate a wide range of skills, knowledge, and symbols. In light of this, it is imperative to study each form of art (Burton, 2010). Each form of art should be explored for its intrinsic values. The reason is that each of them has different ways of creating knowledge and improving communication (Sinclair & O’Toole, 2008). The various forms of art should be viewed and understood as different types of literary elements. However, it is important to note that all of them involve some kind of design, experimentation, play, provocation, and exploration. In addition, they entail expression, communication, representation, and visualisation. All these elements are used to shape other forms of media (Ross, 2014).

Developmental Benefits of Arts

Arts play a significant role in the development of a child’s motor skills. For instance, most of the motions involved in the creation of art, such as scribbling with a pencil or a crayon, are important in the development of fine motor skills ( The future of the Australian curriculum, 2014). Participation helps learners to improve their skills in mathematics and reading. It also improves one’s cognitive and verbal competencies. According to Burton (2010), engaging in arts has a positive correlation with verbal capabilities. Learning these subjects is also associated with an increase in levels of motivation and enhanced confidence. It also improves concentration and teamwork among the learners ( Why art matters, 2011).

Many scholars observe that the intrinsic pleasures derived from arts entail more than just the ‘sweetening’ of a person’s life (Burton, 2010). Such experiences help to deepen the connection between the individual and the world around them. They also provide them with new ways to view the world. The development lays the foundation for strong social bonds and improved cohesion in the community. A strong programming of arts within the curriculum also helps to close the intellectual gap that has made many children lag behind in intellectual achievement. It is noted that the children from affluent backgrounds are exposed to arts through visits to museums and attending Mozart concerts and other platforms. As a result, their interaction with the arts is assured regardless of whether or not the subjects are provided in their schools. However, teaching arts in schools provides children from poor economic backgrounds a level playing field (Nathan, 2008).

Arts Education and Academic Achievement

A new picture is emerging in the new educational era. School districts have started to focus on the field of arts. The emerging models are anchored on new brain research findings and cognitive development. The new models have embraced a variety of approaches that regard arts as a significant learning tool. For instance, musical notes are increasingly being used to teach fractions (Nathan, 2008). The models have also incorporated arts into the teaching of the core classes. For example, the teaching of slavery and other historical themes can be delivered by having the students act a play that dramatises those events.

In the US, Australia, and Europe, it is widely acknowledged that the students exposed to a learning process embedded in arts achieve improved grades and better test scores compared to those who are not exposed to this field. The students are less likely to play truants. In addition, they are rarely bored and have a healthy and positive self concept (Marshall, 2010). They are also most likely to participate in community service. Nascent studies have demonstrated that learning through arts can improve educational outcomes for other academic disciplines (Burton, 2010). For instance, the studies have observed that the students who partake in drama and music attain higher levels of success in reading and mathematics than those who do not take part in such ventures. Consequently, arts are seen as strategies to engage difficult students. The subjects connect learners to self, others, and the world. Engaging in arts also helps the teacher to transform the classroom environment. Most importantly, it challenges the students who may already be successful to work harder (Burton, 2010).

Specific Connections

Experimental evidence demonstrates a strong link between non-arts and arts skills. For example, I carried out an experiment on 10 children who were involved in a family theatre program. The program demonstrated that an exposure in theatrical activities for a year improves the empathy and emotional regulation among the children. For the adolescents involved in a similar program, it was shown that arts helped them improve their empathy. It also improved their understanding and appreciation of the mental status of other participants. The linkage makes sense to the advocates of arts education (Marshall, 2010). Training in arts, acting, and theatre puts the participants in other people’s shoes. The experience helps them to imagine how other people feel. In addition, it enables them to understand their emotions and view the world differently. After undertaking the program, I concluded that students should be given the opportunity to study arts in school irrespective of whether or not the subjects have discernible positive effects.

Cognitive Benefits of Arts

The cognitive benefits that are derived from arts include the development of skills needed in learning, improvement of academic performance, as well as enhancement of reading and mathematical capabilities. In addition, arts improve creative thinking among the learners (Marshall, 2010). The experiment mentioned above also showed that participation in theatre helped students from low socioeconomic backgrounds improve their academic performance. Consequently, I can conclude that the effects of arts education are transformative. The effects hold true across the socioeconomic divide. The impacts are cumulative and increase as the students from poor background get more exposure to the study of arts. It can also be emphasised that the students who are exposed to arts had better scores, which are higher than those of learners who are less engaged. The scores are especially better in such educational areas as creative thinking and originality (Burton, 2010).

The Benefits of Arts with Regards to Behaviour and Attitude

The study of arts has a positive impact on the attitudes and behaviour of the students. The benefits of behavioural and attitude change include improved self-efficacy and self-discipline. The advantages are easily associated and directly linked to improved school attendance, as well as reduced rates of drop-outs (Burton, 2010). In addition, the benefits are associated with the development of social skills. Such social and life skills include better understanding and appreciation of the consequences of an individual behaviour. The students also portray an increased ability to participate in teamwork, acceptance of constructive critiquing from fellow students, and the willingness to adopt pro-social behaviours.

Health Benefits of Arts Education

I must recognise that art has many health benefits. The therapeutic effects include improved physical and mental health. In Australia, the benefits are beginning to be recognised with several ongoing projects in schools reporting positive outcomes. It is argued that people who engage in relaxing activities, such as reading a novel, playing a musical instrument, painting, or singing, develop a healthy mind ( Why art matters , 2011). It is also observed that people who enjoy attending a good concert, a dance, a movie, or an art exhibition exercise their body and mind through the enjoyment, social inclusion, and relaxation. The individuals also improve their confidence, resilience, and self-esteem (Marshall, 2010). An art-mental paradigm can deliver significant health benefits to the students at school and in their adult life.

Arts Education in Australian Curricula

There are three different approaches to the learning of arts in Australia. The first can be described as the appreciation of Australian arts heritage. In this approach, the field is conceptualised as a domain for the talented. The approach points to the belief that the talented artist will provide the Australian society with its cultural artefacts ( Learning area , n.d). The second approach is the identification of the students who demonstrate artistic potential. The teachers focus on these learners and prepare them for future careers. The third approach is the desire to avail every student with an opportunity to engage with art and to appreciate it (Marshall, 2010). As such, the Australian curriculum anticipates that the students will actively learn, engage in artistic activities and processes, as well as appreciate the works of art done by others.

It must be remembered that the role of arts is to enhance learning by increasing enjoyment, fostering creativity, and enhancing imaginative activities. The objectives can only be achieved through participation in arts programs. It is also observed that students become more cognisant of the larger spectrum of world experiences by engaging in this field. The role of arts is to transform the students’ learning experiences by celebrating creativity. As such, teaching of arts should be encouraged and promoted at all levels of learning. Every student should be provided with the opportunity to participate in arts so as to improve their academic performance and develop into healthy adults with enhanced social skills.

Anderson, M. (2014). Why this elitist attack on arts education is wrong . Web.

Bamford, A. (2006). The wow factor: Global research compendium on the impact of the arts in education . Berlin, Germany: Waxmann Verlag.

Burton, B. (2010). Dramatising the hidden hurt: Acting against covert bullying by adolescent girls: Research in drama education. The Journal of Applied Theatre & Performance, 15 (2), 255-278.

Learning area. (n.d). Web.

Marshall, J. (2010). Five ways to integrate: Using strategies from contemporary art. Art Education, 63 (3), 13-19.

Nathan, L. (2008). Why the arts make sense in education. Phi Delta Kappan, 90 (3), 177-181.

Ross, M. (2014). The aesthetic imperative: Relevance and responsibility in arts education. New York: Pergamon.

Sinclair, C., & O’Toole, J. (2008). Education in the arts: Teaching and learning in the contemporary curriculum: Principles and practices for teaching. South Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.

The future of the Australian curriculum: The arts: A response to the review of the Australian curriculum . (2014). Web.

Why art matters . (2011). Web.

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Why Art Matters: Understanding the Importance of Art Education

• by Team Varthana
• Posted on January 6, 2023
• in Classroom Management

Although there’s a lot of information available on how important arts integration is in creating well-prepared learners and leaders, a lot of institutions consider arts education a luxury and skip it from their curriculum in order to focus on or complete the syllabus. 

However, there is also a visible trend of many other schools turning their focus onto overall student development, with art being an integrated part of the curriculum. Arts education helps students think outside the box and explore topics in an unfamiliar way. 

What is Art Education in School?

Students who receive an arts education have access to a creative outlet that can help them solve problems more effectively. It encompasses a variety of disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, photography, and digital media. They acquire the ability to think creatively and approach subjects in different ways while also fostering their cognitive, emotional, and social development.

What is the Importance of Art Education in Students’ Lives?

Art plays a crucial role in education by enhancing students’ creativity and critical thinking. Here’s how:

1. Enhances Creativity

Art enhances creativity, which in turn fosters problem-solving skills. By participating in arts and learning activities, children develop confidence in their abilities and learn new things. Arts also promote risk-free exploration, and it is this freedom that inspires confidence. It allows children to see things from their viewpoint.

For instance, Students tasked with creating a mural for their school use their imagination to design a piece that represents their school environment or community. This project encourages them to think outside the box and develop original ideas. 

2. Improves Academic Performance

Students who study arts show improved language, reading, and math skills, as well as a greater ability for higher-order thinking skills such as analysis and problem-solving. Students also develop skills such as resilience, courage, and an improved mindset to help them learn professionally, perform well academically, and have a successful life after high school. 

Learning art is not only through creativity but also improves learning in fields such as mathematics and science and in the field of literature. Any skill that students learn through art education allows them to apply the same in academics, resulting in improved academic performance.

For example, when a student learns to play an instrument, they are not just developing their reading comprehension skills but also enhancing spatial-temporal skills, which are crucial for understanding complex mathematical concepts.

3. Self-Reliance

Students become self-reliant when they start depending on their own strengths, knowledge, skills, and resources rather than the strengths of others. Creating art can confirm one’s uniqueness while also providing a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Furthermore, arts education has been proven to support a sense of social identity, encourage goal-directed behavior, and increase social resilience.

For example, offering access to a variety of resources, such as art books, online tutorials, and materials, and encouraging students to pursue independent research projects. A student interested in digital art might explore different software programs and techniques on their own time.

Also Read : How teachers can use the best tools and resources available to create a modern classroom?

4. Educates Them about Teamwork

A unique approach to teaching teamwork and communication skills is the use of visual, and performing arts. The larger the creative team, the more valuable the art project is for open-minded people who are willing to learn, expand, integrate, and succeed. 

Collaboration creates a sense of comradeship and belonging to the community as young artists work towards a common goal. Researchers have found that students who worked collaboratively on an art project and engaged in a discussion were more thoughtful than those who worked alone.

For example, a theater production requires students to work together, from actors and directors to set designers and stagehands. This collaborative effort teaches them to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and appreciate teamwork.

5. Helps Them in Decision-Making

Art education is how children can be encouraged to choose their own subjects, colors, and interpretations of art. This allows children to make their own decisions in various areas of life. It will open up children’s imaginations and ensure that they have plenty of time to practice their decision-making skills. They may make mistakes, but they will learn to overcome them and move on from their failures. This will help the child develop the courage to make decisions without developing the fear of failure.

For example, during a painting project, students might be given the autonomy to select their materials and designs. They learn to make decisions about which materials best suit their vision and how to execute their ideas effectively.

6. Enhances Leadership Skills

When children are encouraged to make their own decisions, they begin to understand that they can update and interpret the world around them. These skills will make the child a leader rather than a follower. Arts education encourages higher-level thinking to explore academic subjects and life outside of school. No matter what profession or career the child chooses when they grow up, leadership qualities will ensure that they succeed in their chosen field. 

For instance, in a visual arts class, students analyze famous paintings, learn to observe details, question techniques, and interpret meanings. This practice sharpens their ability to think critically and solve problems creatively.

7. Improves Motor Skills

Motor skills in the classroom give students the ability and skill to work independently. Drawing lines, picking up small objects, tearing paper, and holding a pencil are examples of their importance. This is especially true for young children, because art classes exercise and strengthen the small muscles in the child’s fingers, hands, and wrists, making it easier to learn to write.

For example, activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are essential for younger students as they develop physically.

What are the Objectives of Art Education?

Art education serves several important purposes beyond simply creating visually appealing works. It plays a key role in the holistic development of students, offering a range of benefits that contribute to their overall growth. Here are the main objectives of art education:

1. Cultivate Imagination

Art education encourages students to explore their imagination and think creatively. By experimenting with various artistic techniques and media, students learn to envision and realize their ideas in innovative ways.

2. Enhance Critical Thinking

Art helps students develop their critical thinking skills by requiring them to analyze their work and make decisions about design and technique. This process fosters problem-solving abilities and thoughtful evaluation.

3. Improve Emotional Expression

Art provides a constructive outlet for students to express their emotions and feelings. This supports emotional development and helps students manage and communicate their emotions effectively.

4. Develop Fine Motor Skills

Engaging in artistic activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting enhances fine motor skills. These activities improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are important for various everyday tasks.

5. Encourage Cultural Awareness

Art education exposes students to different artistic styles and cultural traditions, helping them appreciate diverse perspectives and understand the historical and cultural context behind various art forms.

6. Support Academic Achievement

Art education can positively impact other academic areas by improving skills such as observation and attention to detail. Engaging in art can boost concentration and problem-solving abilities that benefit students across the curriculum.

Understanding the Crucial Role of Arts in Education 

Understanding the importance of art in education, the focus on creativity becomes vital to a comprehensive learning experience. Art offers students a distinct way to express themselves, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Beyond its visual appeal, incorporating art into education enhances students’ communication abilities, stimulates innovation, and fosters a greater appreciation for different viewpoints. The inclusion of art not only adds depth to the academic journey but also develops skills necessary for navigating the complexities of the modern world, making education a dynamic and well-rounded journey. 

This table highlights the crucial role of arts in education and emphasizes why arts are a necessary and fundamental part of education, focusing on the broader educational goals and purposes.

Benefits of Art Education for Students

Involving students in diverse art forms goes beyond fostering creativity, but acts as a driving force for refining observation, interpretation, and evaluation skills, empowering students to approach challenges with a thoughtful and smart mindset. Art education aspires to develop students capable of navigating complexities, thinking independently, and making meaningful contributions to society. Let us understand what students gain from arts education. Here are the positive outcomes and benefits that result from engaging with the arts.

• Improved ability to brainstorm and come up with unique solutions in various contexts.
• Better grades and understanding in subjects like math and science due to improved cognitive abilities.
• Enhanced ability to analyze complex situations and develop creative solutions in everyday life.
• Increased confidence in presenting and defending their ideas in various settings.
• Better hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
• Reduced stress and better emotional management through creative expression.
• Improved teamwork and communication skills in group settings.
• Increased personal joy and fulfillment from participating in artistic activities.
• Greater cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diversity.
• Preparedness for careers in fields such as design, music, theater, and visual arts.

What is the Relationship between Art and Education?

Art and education are deeply interconnected, with art playing a significant role in enhancing various aspects of students’ development. By integrating art into the educational experience, students benefit in multiple ways that support their overall growth. The following table highlights key areas where art and education intersect:

Art is a vital component of education because it enriches students’ learning experiences in numerous ways. It encourages creativity, enhances critical thinking, and provides a valuable outlet for emotional expression. Additionally, art activities support the development of fine motor skills and foster cultural awareness. By integrating art into education, schools can offer a more comprehensive and engaging curriculum that supports students’ overall growth and prepares them for diverse future opportunities.

1. Why is arts education important in the classroom?

By engaging with the arts, students enhance their cognitive abilities, improve academic performance, and develop fine motor skills. It is important in the classroom because it fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression, essential skills for holistic student development. It encourages students to explore diverse perspectives and histories and supports social and emotional learning by providing outlets for self-expression and collaboration. 

2. What are the benefits of integrating arts into the curriculum?

Integrating arts into the curriculum offers numerous benefits that enhance students’ overall educational experience. It encourages creativity and imagination, allowing students to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions. Academic performance improves as it enhances cognitive abilities and supports learning in subjects like math, science, and literacy. It also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for navigating complex challenges. Social skills are strengthened through collaborative projects, while exposure to diverse artistic traditions promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity. 

3. How does arts education contribute to overall student development?

It enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through the analysis and creation of art, encouraging students to explore various perspectives and solutions. It fosters emotional intelligence by providing a safe space for self-expression and emotional exploration, promoting mental well-being. It cultivates cultural awareness and appreciation, broadening students’ understanding of diverse cultures and histories. Finally, arts education shapes well-rounded, creative, and empathetic individuals prepared for both academic and life challenges.

4. What role does creativity play in arts education?

Creativity plays a crucial role in arts education, serving as the driving force behind exploration, innovation, and expression. It encourages students to think imaginatively and approach problems with a vibrant perspective, fostering originality and inventive thinking. Through creative processes in various artistic disciplines such as visual arts, music, theater, and dance, students learn to experiment, take risks, and adapt to new ideas. This strengthens their problem-solving skills and adaptability in other areas of life. Creativity allows students to express their individuality and emotions, contributing to their personal and emotional growth.

5. What impact does arts education have on student engagement and motivation?

It captures students’ interest through hands-on, creative activities that connect with their personal experiences and passions. Engaging with the arts allows students to express themselves freely and see tangible results from their efforts, which boosts their confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Moreover, arts-integrated lessons often involve collaborative projects that foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose, further motivating students to participate actively. It has a profound impact on student engagement and motivation by making learning more dynamic, interactive, and enjoyable.

6. How can children benefit from learning art?

Learning art helps children enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills. It also supports emotional expression and improves fine motor skills, contributing to their overall development. 

7. What are the five teaching strategies in teaching arts?

Five effective teaching strategies in art education include using visual aids, encouraging hands-on activities, integrating art with other subjects, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive classroom environment.

8. What is the scope of art education?

The scope of art education includes teaching students various artistic techniques, styles, and cultural contexts. It encompasses activities like drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media, aiming to develop students’ artistic skills and appreciation.

9. What is the role of teachers in art education?

The role of a teacher in art education is to guide students through artistic techniques, inspire creativity, and provide constructive feedback. Teachers also create a supportive environment that encourages exploration and self-expression. If you’re a school leader looking to improve teaching methods and use modern technology, Varthana can help with your school’s development. We quickly process loans, usually within 5 to 7 business days after receiving all required documents. We also provide different collateral options and flexible payment plans to fit your financial needs. Reach out today to see how Varthana can support your school’s progress!

10. What is the nature of art education?

The nature of art education is experiential and exploratory, focusing on developing students’ artistic skills and creativity through practical activities. It emphasizes individual expression and understanding of various art forms and cultural perspectives.

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• Home | Blog | Art is Empowering: The Importance of Art and Culture in Education

Art is Empowering: The Importance of Art and Culture in Education

We've all heard that "creativity" may be released through art, that "imagination" can be sparked, and that "expression" can be fostered through art.

Most individuals, however, are unaware of the educational potential of this great tool. The ability to use art in the classroom is a powerful tool that can benefit children of all ages. This article will cover how values of art and culture in the classroom and how they might be applied to the process of fostering personal growth and development in today's youth. The value of art extends far and wide, from nurturing imagination to fostering analysis. Read on to find out more.

The arts and culture are frequently relegated to a supporting role in the classroom, behind "more traditional" academic subjects. Nonetheless, there is no denying the value that the arts and culture provide to the classroom.

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Students can benefit from exposure to the arts and culture in the areas of critical thinking and problem-solving. Through the creative process of making art, children learn to problem-solve, experiment, and think laterally. Learning and practicing these things will serve you well in any field you choose to pursue.

Including arts and culture in the classroom has several clear benefits, one of the most prominent being the encouragement of student innovation and expression. Students are encouraged to find their own creative voices through participation in the visual and performing arts. Participating in these exercises is a great way to sharpen one's analytical abilities and broaden one's cultural horizons.

Students can improve their ability to express themselves through participation in the arts as well. Students need to learn to communicate their ideas clearly when making art so that it can be appreciated by others. Learning to express themselves clearly, both orally and in writing, can be aided by this procedure.

Children who engage in creative and cultural pursuits tend to have higher IQs, according to research. Learning an instrument, for instance, has been linked to enhanced memory and focus, while dancing has been shown to boost coordination and spatial awareness. Students' cognitive skills will benefit from this all-around training because they will be challenged in many ways.

It is also important to note that arts and culture can also assist students in developing soft-critical skills. Students who take part in the arts are more likely to develop skills like cooperation, teamwork, and empathy. They have a welcoming space to experiment with positive and negative feelings without worry.

TIST provides Students to get insight into other cultures through the inclusion of arts and culture in the classroom. Students can have a better awareness of variety through exposure to many cultures' art, music, and traditions. This has the potential to encourage a more accepting and tolerant culture by dismantling preconceived notions.

The number of doctors, engineers, and accountants in the world is comparable to the number of artists, musicians, actresses, dancers, writers, and other creative professionals. Children who are exceptionally gifted in any area of the arts typically know by a young age what they want to specialize in as a profession, just as they do in academics or sports. They just need to be recognized and encouraged from an early age.

Culture and the arts have undeniable positive effects on society. The school's inclusion of the arts in its curriculum is a vital step in helping children become well-rounded individuals who are set up for success in all aspects of life.

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The value of the arts and cultural studies in the classroom cannot be overstated. Art has been shown to have positive effects on students' self-esteem, creativity, communication skills, and group dynamics, all of which teachers should take into account. The International School of Thrissur (TIST) gives importance to providing kids with access to a wide range of disciplines, from the visual arts to music, theatre, and literature. We consider it essential for educators to foster a climate where kids feel comfortable sharing their true selves without fear of reprimand. Now, more than ever, it's crucial that art be given full rein in our nation's classrooms; its power to evoke profound feelings and experiences can have a profound impact on individuals and communities alike.

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Discover our Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Child's Imagination! Encourage imaginative play, storytelling, and painting. Encourage curiosity, provide a variety of activities, and allow for unrestricted investigation. Role-playing, reading, and unstructured activity should all be encouraged. Embrace these ways to help your child's bright imagination thrive. Learn more

Top Reasons Why Kids Should Learn Roboti...

Read on to understand the top reasons why kids should delve into robotics! From fostering problem-solving skills to sparking creativity, robotics education offers hands-on learning, innovation, and prepares young minds for the future.

Importance of Meditation in Students' Li...

In today's world, it is more important than ever to get enough sleep and practice meditation. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation has a range of benefits for students, including improved concentration, focus, and productivity. Read now!

Self-Motivation For Students: Unfolding...

Unlock Your Potential with 'Self-Motivation for Students: Unfolding the Path to a Successful Life.' Discover the keys to self-motivation, inspired by icons like Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs. Learn how self-motivation can shape your future, with practical tips and guidance for students. Join us on a transformative journey toward a brighter and more successful tomorrow.

Falling Down and Rising Up: A Journey of...

Discover how sports and the "Fall Down & Learn" approach shape resilient, confident, and well-rounded children. Explore the benefits of sports for physical, emotional, and social growth. Learn the vital role parents play in fostering a positive sports environment for kids.

Things to Do When Your Child Is a Perfec...

Is your child incredibly detail-oriented and always striving for perfection? While this may seem like a positive trait, being a perfectionist can present challenges for children.

How To Build Self-Esteem In Children

Fostering healthy self-esteem in children is essential for their well-being. Key steps include showing affection, encouraging responsibility, and embracing imperfection. Building self-esteem sets the stage for a child's future success and resilience.

How Game-Based Learning Benefits Childre...

Game-based learning enriches education by merging fun with skills development. The International School in Thrissur (TIST) excels in this approach. Tips: Choose the right games, and start gradually. It enhances critical thinking, social skills, and holistic growth.

Tips to Prevent Monsoon Illness in Child...

As the rainy season arrives, it brings relief from the scorching heat, but it also presents se­veral challenges. One of the primary concerns during this time is monsoon illness, particularly for children. The combination of accumulated rainwater and increased humidity creates an ideal environment for various diseases to thrive.

What is Helicopter Parenting?

Every parent wants the best for their children, so it makes sense to take every opportunity to make your life easier. But some parents go even further in providing care, calling it "helicopter parenting."

How 'No Bags Day' Reduces the Burden of...

'No Bags Day' lightens the burden on students, promoting physical relief, improved focus, active learning, social interaction, and reduced stress in schools.

Strategies to Motivate Your Child to Lea...

Discover effective strategies to motivate your child to learn in this insightful article. Foster curiosity, engagement, and a love for education.

8 Ways To Build Love for Reading In Your...

As parents, we all want our children to thrive and succeed in life. One of the most effective ways to help them on this journey is by instilling a love for reading in them from an early age. Reading opens up new worlds, enhances creativity, and improves cognitive abilities.

Is Boarding School Good For Your Childre...

The benefits of boarding schools, include fostering independence, providing constant supervision, offering excellent academics, promoting personal growth, emphasizing sports and extracurricular activities, encouraging diversity and peer learning, and maintaining smaller class sizes. Consider individual needs when deciding on a boarding school.

Why Should Every School Have Tech-Enable...

The future of the world is going to be technology-driven and influenced by practical understanding, and hence the education that is being devised now should be able to meet these future requirements. And to make sure of that, one needs to imbibe in tech-enabled classrooms and lab facilities that will help them analyse and understand the practical side of the concepts that they learn on a daily basis.

Fun Ways to Incorporate Easy Learning

Studying is not an affair that, at least, most students are very fond of. Even the ones who like it might find the regular mundane hours of studying boring. When an activity becomes tiring, it will drastically affect the output of the umpteen hours invested in the process of learning. 

Exciting Summer Vacation Ideas for Stude...

Summer vacation is the perfect time for students to explore new places. The students have several exciting vacation ideas to choose from. Summer vacation is the perfect time for students to explore new places.

Ways To Stop The Parent Student Struggle...

Homework battles are a common scene in every home. Doing homework and completing it on time is an insane struggle that most kids face, and it usually requires a relentless effort from parents to make sure it is completed at the right time.

Parenting Tips For Toddlers and Preschoo...

Parenting is always a daunting task and requires a lot of patience, irrespective of the age of your child. Parenting toddlers and preschoolers come with a lot more effort, as they are just approaching the age where they have just started to understand and analyze information.

How School Environment Influences Your C...

School is one of the most crucial role players in the development of every child. From the environment to the educational method; from the teachers to the counsellors; from the infrastructure to the educational aids used to teach students and the promotion of co-curricular and physical development are some things that determine the ability of a school.

Benefits of Personalized and Activity-ba...

Gone are the times when all the schools used to teach only a single curriculum and had almost similar books and of course, a similar set of teaching techniques. These days, schooling has undergone a revolution and experienced a huge makeover in the wake of modern times and technological advancements.

Advantages of a Digital Campus in the sc...

The modern world came with huge technological makeovers for many things; in fact almost everything. From homes to offices and from schools to colleges; from hotels to restaurants and from Government to Private Offices, everything has become digital and become better in the process.

Role of Schools in making the children m...

A school is one of the most crucial organizations that play a really important role in the life of every child. The role of scholastic education has been of immense value in deciding the fate of various nations and has been a topic of research since ages.

Difference between CBSE and IGCSE school...

If you have been having sleepless nights and troubled days for hunting the best Schools in Kerala for your children, so as to give them a wonderful start for their careers; if you have picked up some schools from among many and are calculating the pros and cons of CBSE and IGCSE boards, then stop worrying and read the following post. Find out what are the basic and major differences between the CBSE and IGCSE schools; how they regulate the careers in future and what are some of the top-notch IGCSE schools in Thrissur that offer education like none others.

Benefits of Digital Learning in Schools

Gone are the days when classroom teaching used to be a dull affair that comprised of one tutor addressing to a class full of 30 to 40 students; a scenario in which the learners were just not motivated enough and the tutor just wanted to complete the syllabus. With the availability of highly modern and technologically advanced educational equipment, the education has experienced a shift from print to digital form which is so profound that it had actually changed the way things can be learned, grasped and acquired. Now, the learning is not only limited to the traditional blackboard and chalk form; it has become more of an interactive affair. Students can actually see the different types of colors; hear the different kinds of sounds and learn by almost all their senses. So, if you have been trying to find the best schools in Thrissur, then checking the kind of learning aids and the educational equipment have, is a must.

Interactive learning in schools – The mo...

It is a very old saying that good quality interaction is something that benefits both the parties. Therefore, some of the good schools in around are adopting interactive learning approaches, that, when combined with the digital learning aids and techniques, become a powerful tool for teaching as well as knowledge acquiring.

A Classroom For The Future – New Methods...

Since the advancement of technology, it has touched every field to enhance it. The same can also be said for the education industry. The advancement of technology has opened a new arena in the learning domain. The education system has advanced immensely over the past few years. The traditional idea of teaching a subject blindly is changing.

Support Your Children Through the Right...

Not many parents realize the power they have over their children. Most parents associate parenting with control. They do not openly acknowledge it, but their parenting ways have a lot to do with wielding control over almost all aspects of their children’s lives.

How does a Positive Parent-Teacher Relat...

Parents are the ones who take care of the kids at home and are their first teachers. The foundation of any kid’s knowledge is laid down at home itself. As a child grows, he is then shifted to a school so that he understands the value of education as well as adjusts to the social situations which he will have to face for the rest of his life. A child requires care and attention from the early ages itself so as to grow and develop emotionally and rationally. This can happen only when both his teachers and parents involve themselves in positive interactions so that the child never misses onto anything.

10 Things to Remember before Selecting a...

A kid becomes the priority of parents as soon as he takes birth. As he is unable to form an opinion of his own, parents try to make decisions for their kids which not only benefits him but also helps him in the long-run. It is a fact well-known that the first school of a kid is his home but there comes a time when the parents have to start considering sending their child to a proper school. School provides the foundation for the kid’s overall growth and development as it is the means of introducing a child to the outside world.

Importance of Preschool Activities for E...

Educating one’s child is the priority of every parent out there. From the moment a child is born, parents start planning about how to teach him all facts essential for survival. As the child grows, informing him things at home does not suffice. It becomes necessary for him to attend schools to understand and learn topics properly. School is the place wherein the kid starts appreciating the value of education. Preschool activities are really important to enhance the quality of learning in kids. Apart from that, schools serve a variety of other purposes which moulds a child into the man, ready to face the world even in adversarial situations.

Top 10 Tips to Create a Successful Schoo...

School time is the most important time of our lives, the place where we enjoy as well as learn. This experience stays with us forever and becomes a part of our personality. But to fully utilize and enjoy these great days we need to plan, or these sweet novel experiences transform into nightmares of morning rush hours, last minute homework, stressful mornings and sleepy classes. Hence, it’s always advised to create a routine for your school days so as to have them running as smooth and efficient as a Batmobile. Here are some tips to create a successful school routine to make your school days the most precious.

Advantages of Technology Integration in...

The use of technology was earlier very common in colleges. In the past six years, a lot of schools have started incorporating technology in the teaching procedure. In this world of globalization, one cannot do without technological advancements even in the schools. Let us go through a few advantages of integrating technology in schools.

10 Tips for improving quality of educati...

If you are an owner of a primary school, then you will have to constantly look after the fact that the school should always upgrade the quality of education. If the quality of education has to be upgraded, then the teachers imparting education should also be trained and updated with the latest technologies. If you are an owner or a trustee or the principal of a primary school, then you should go through the following discussion to improve the way education is imparted through your school. Let us have a look at some important tips for improving the quality of education in primary schools.

Things to Look Before Choosing a Prescho...

Preschools are the first steps to education for a child. It turns out to be a matter of concerns for a parent to find the best preschool for their kid. The learning atmosphere, quality of the teachers at the preschool or nursery, the facilities available and the factors affecting a child’s mental and physical growth are the fundamentals one look into before finalizing the preschool. Our preschool in Thrissur has been known for the comprehensively derived pedagogical and mental development methodologies for children.

How To Prepare Your Child For The First...

Preschools are probably the first time your child enters another world. He or she must be familiar with the home and surroundings. However, entering the unfamiliar world of preschool, with a number of strangers around, will make them confused. It is also a grief-stricken moment for the parent to see their kids worried. The reputed preschools in Thrissur and other places in Kerala will have fun activities and games to divert the attention and keep the student entertained.

Proven Tips For Preschool Classroom Orga...

Organizing the preschool, streamlining the activities and guiding the kids to pursue the directives can turn tiresome if you are not a trained or experienced teacher. TIST has been finding it one of the most rewarding and learning processes to organize classrooms and nurture the children; the future of our nation.

Key Benefits of Digital Library in Schoo...

Reading is one of the best habits one can pursue. It helps you see around the world, without moving an inch. There are several benefits of reading. It enhances the efficiency of the brain, improves memory power, aids in better comprehension, augments thought processes and performs exceptionally well at different junctures of life. We believe that it is our responsibility to inculcate this habit in children and provide them with all the facilities for that.

Fun Indoor Activities Suited For Kids Th...

The summer holidays have started. The kids would be spending most of the time in front of the television or playing mobile games. Needless to say, the uncontrolled involvement in both things is harmful to the body and mind. Addiction to mobile games is counterproductive. It will affect a child’s brain development adversely. As the kid will not be using his or her abilities for constructive thinking or for observing the world around him.

10 Fabulous Vocabulary Building Activiti...

Words are the foundation stone for acquiring great language proficiency. The kids must be introduced to the world of vocabulary systematically. They will lose interest in activities quickly. Therefore, the learning activities must be engaging and entertaining for them. A set of fun games and interactive vocabulary-building techniques would be useful to keep them engaged. Given below are some exciting vocabulary building activities for kids.

Effective Tips To Deal With Your Kids Ho...

Kids’ homework is more challenging for the parents than for the kids. It would turn into an uphill task to get them to sit and do the assignments. Hyperactive children will not remain on the seat for more than a few minutes even if you try to lure them with chocolates or stories.

Strategies To Enhance Students’ Particip...

Online classrooms have become the new normal in every corner of the world. The virtual classrooms necessitate the teachers to have exceptional teaching tact to ensure that the students remain attentive and deliver classes effectively. Without this, the classes may turn ineffective. Moreover, the parents may complain that the classes haven’t been proper and their child couldn’t follow the topics.

Right Food & Nutrition For Children Duri...

Parents must ensure that the child’s immunity remains strengthened during this pandemic period. Providing them with a healthy diet must be of paramount importance. Besides, keeping them active and motivated through indoor games and activities. We should select the right food and nutrition to maintain their energy level and inner strength high. Micronutrients also need to be considered for reinforcing their health quotient.

How to Setup a Productive Study Space Fo...

The nation is proceeding with a full-fledged vaccination drive to reduce the possibility of a third wave of COVID-19. Homeschooling and online classes would be the only option until the fear of the pandemic is eradicated completely. Ensuring a comfortable study space is the only thing a parent can think of, at this juncture. The study space must be productive, to prevent distractions. Having an active nature, even a mild noise can distract them easily. Follow the tips we discuss here to set up a productive study space for your child’s online class.

Benefits of Learning a Second language a...

Pre-schooling and nursery are the initial periods of learning and brain development. As it is known, the right time to nurture cognitive skills in children. Learning a new language, a second language, at this age would be a catalyst for enhancing their thought process. The learning experience would not only make them strong in that particular language but also would aid in overall development.

How to Teach Time Management Skills to K...

“Hey, get up.” “Hurry up, get ready.” “Come on, the school bus is at the gate.” Do these dialogues ring a bell? This is the everyday morning conversation, in most of the homes with school-going children. The hurry-burry is a normal scene at the homes. You can reduce at least a major part of it if you teach time management to your child/ children.

Top 20 Must Read Classic Books for Kids

Reading is the best way to see the world without moving an inch. We must guide our kids to the path of reading by giving them the best books to read. Reading has a proven effect on a child’s growth and development. It will:

Top 10 Ideas To Help Your Child Get More...

Toys strewn across the floor, table and bed in disarray, books and pencils missing…does this scene remind you of your house? Where there are children in the house, this might be a common occurrence. Children are generally not considered to be the most organised bunch. But the good news is, it does not always have to be this way. In this article, we show you 10 ideas you can incorporate into your daily nurturing to help your child be more organised!

Daily Home Workouts to Boost Kids Physic...

Online education has become the new normal nowadays. The sad fact is that the kids are missing out on the chance to interact with their classmates and play along. This unforeseen scenario has been snatching away the environment in schools that are designed to nourish them and enhance their physical and mental growth.

Importance of Developing Self-regulation...

Self-regulation can be termed as self-control as well. It is the ability of a person to control oneself during the unforeseen and unexpected turn of events. People possessing the trait of self-regulation can behave positively when subjected to a negative situation, remain optimistic at every juncture of life, and control their thoughts to continue the stride towards his or her aim in life.

Healthy Meal Plans To Follow For Kids

If you’re a parent, you know how difficult it is to persuade your picky youngster to drink a glass of flavour-enhanced milk, sneak in nutritious veggies in recipes, and force them to consume fruits or scold them into eating another. The fight isn’t over yet. To keep their bowel motions robust, make sure they drink enough water each day. With so much on their plates (literally!), moms may overlook several nutritious items that should be included in their children’s meals. The nutritional requirements of your child are decoded here!

How To Keep Your Kids Safe On The Intern...

Parents learn about the significance of internet safety for their children from a variety of sources, from news channels that are never short of tales regarding children and online predators and local authorities constantly warning parents about children’s safety in this tech-savvy era. These occurrences are raising worries among parents about their children’s internet safety and privacy.

6 Golden Rules to Build a Strong Teacher...

It is important for a student to have a smooth and easy relationship with a teacher in order to ace in academic life. Often a negative experience with a teacher deeply affects a student’s ability to learn that subject. It kills the interest in the subject leading to poor scores and overall performance.

10 Effective Tips to Raise a Self Suffic...

Being self-reliant and self-sufficient is one of the most important characteristics any person should develop. And the best time to nurture this ability is right from childhood. Raising a self-sufficient kid is no easy task. But with a few simple steps, you can make sure you set your child on the right path. In this article, we aim to delve into 10 simple tips that can help you raise your kid to be self-sufficient and self-reliant.

What Parents Should Know When Considerin...

We face various kinds of changes and challenges at different facets of our lives. Being prepared and adjusting to the change is what helps us move forward. For a child, one of the biggest and possibly unsettling changes that they may face in their young lives would be a school change.

Effective Ways to Improve Memory & Conce...

Memory and concentration are pivotal for children as it is a growing age and their whole future and career revolve around it. Technology has shortened the attention span of children as well as adults’ considerably. Both the categories find it hard to focus on something for more than a couple of minutes or an hour. However, there are several ways of tackling it.

How to Improve Collaboration, Communicat...

The values that children of today learn from their previous generations are what makes them civic citizens of tomorrow. Be it from home or school, children imbibe the learnings that their surroundings have to offer. Suffice to say, the onus is on parents and teachers to ensure children are moulded into well rounded human beings.

How to Develop the Quality of Rationalit...

The children of today are more developed than previous generations in all aspects of life. Their curiosity for learning, their ability to absorb information on a much bigger scale and their reasoning skills are far more advanced than their predecessors.

Effective Relaxation Exercises for Stude...

Relaxation techniques are highly effective to cope with stress. It is more than just having fun or doing something you enjoy. Relaxation is a strategy for minimising stress’s detrimental effects on the mind and body. Students face stress and competitions while taking challenging classes, in their extracurricular participation, preparing for higher studies, and making life-changing decisions for their future. They also have to navigate through social challenges inherent to schooling. Handling more workload, making friends, and being

Team Building Games To Improve Critical...

Students can use team-building activities to enhance critical thinking abilities that will help them succeed in the modern workplace. Teamwork-oriented students (and future employers!) are more motivated and creative. We all know how much students like working in groups. Why not turn it into a game? While brain training activities can be used to assist kids to develop lateral thinking, games are usually a superior solution. Try them out in your classrooms to help students think critically and collaborate more effectively.

Why Adequate Sleep Is Important For Stud...

Life of a student is riddled with assignments, examinations, classes, tuition, extracurricular activities, homework, etc. In the midst of it all, it might seem like there aren’t enough hours in a day to complete everything and still have time to relax with friends and family. The mounting due dates can make any student wonder how they can find more time, which inadvertently prompts them to satisfy the only remaining time they have – i.e., the time to sleep. Sacrificing sleep might seem like the only way to manage their student life, but the repercussions of not getting enough sleep during night is manifold. Let us try to examine why adequate sleep is important for students in this article.

Why Teaching Financial Literacy An Impor...

Young children do not learn important lessons unless they are properly taught to them. They need to learn how to manage money from a young age. With the world’s dynamics changing at such a rapid pace, financial literacy for young children is becoming an increasingly important aspect of life. Teenagers are always eager to live a luxurious lifestyle on their earnings, and they are eager to stand on their own two feet and use their money to do so. Financial literacy for children includes not only spending money wisely but also the practice of saving or investing.

Teaching Children the Difference Between...

Children are innocent souls who require proper guidance and role models in their lives. While they have good intentions, they frequently fail to see the big picture and make decisions that are both inefficient and unnecessary. There is often a lack of vision and clarity, particularly when it comes to distinguishing between what is necessary and what is driven by desire. In such cases, parents must intervene and assist their children in prioritising what they need over what they want.

In-depth Analysis of Transdisciplinary A...

Approaches to teaching and learning that are transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary provide opportunities to approach the same subject from various discipline viewpoints. So let’s talk about what transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches are in detail.

Child-Centric Approach of Activity-Based...

The methodologies of education are changing worldwide. More than ever, education is evolving at a rapid pace trying to catch up with the needs and demands of today’s generation’s needs for physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. ABL (Activity-Based Learning. is one of the most popularly pursued methods of learning worldwide. If you are wondering how ABL works and what makes it so popular, we are here with all the answers for you!. Let’s get started on our ABL knowledge!

Effective Ways to Prepare Kids For the M...

Nature comes to life during the monsoon season, and as much as we enjoy the rainy season, it does present its own set of challenges, especially if you have a child at home to protect. Here are some tips to help your child avoid infections and stay healthy while having a great time.

Competitiveness in Education: Good or Ba...

Competition in schools is an issue that teachers and parents feel very strongly about. Some think it’s bad because it hurts students’ self-esteem and worries them more about school. Then some think it is not only good for students but also crucial to their education. But if you look closely and think about it, you might find that school competition has both good and bad sides.

What are the different parenting styles,...

Parenting styles are not a newly derived concept. It has a very important role in the character development of a child and how they reflect themselves in society.

How Can You Promote Language Development...

A child’s brain develops rapidly in the first three years of life. This period is when children are most receptive to new experiences and are at their peak for learning a new language. By exposing your child to new things and activities, you can stimulate their language development. Including your child in daily activities also helps to promote their language skills, as they will be exposed to more language throughout the day instead of just once or twice a week. Activities like reading books together, singing songs, playing board games, and spending time outside all help develop children’s vocabulary and verbal communication skills. Engaging your child in stimulating activities can positively impact their language skills. Here are some tips that might help you promote language development in your child:

How to Teach the Digital Generation?

We often hear people talk about their toddlers and how well they are equipped to deal with smart devices. They learn, grasp, and comprehend the learning of such devices effortlessly. The kids these days have their lives revolved around screens, information, and speed. The students of the 21st generation can be called digital learners or digital generation. Smartphones and computers are no longer luxury assets. This has accounted for the widespread usage of these devices. Children are now subjected to a lot of information at their fingertips, which apparently can be positive or negative. Only a good guide will help them understand the difference between the good and the bad of the available information. Teachers and parents have to be collectively responsible for letting them learn how to process the information imbibed.

How Can We Help Kids Cope With ‘eco-Anxi...

Anxiety is a common problem among both children and adults. It was only anxiety about one’s future, education, dreams, and goals. Although eco-anxiety is a long-existing phenomenon, it became widely apparent a couple of decades ago. Media reports have an undeniable role in elevating eco-anxiety among people.

How to Maintain a Positive Mindset in th...

Having a positive mindset in the classroom can do wonders for tuning out the children as wonderful human beings. Embracing this concept in the lower classes can help define the character and thought process of an individual. Teachers hold a major role, or part to play, as students have a very limited amount of exposure to consider their role models after their parents.

How Can You Understand The Brain Of A Te...

Teenagers are insightful, funny, caring, and interesting people. But they can also be moody, self-conscious, and anxious. Their teenage brain is going through a lot of changes, which means their emotions are on overdrive! Teenagers have the highest risk of developing anxiety and depression at this time in their lives due to their changing brain chemistry and the pressures from school, social media, and parents. The good news is that we can help them cope with the challenges by understanding more about how the teen brain works. This blog post explores why teenagers act the way they do and what you can do to support them. With this knowledge, you’ll understand your teenager better as well as know how best to help them succeed in life.

How To Identify Your Child’s Primary Lea...

A learning style is how individuals process and take in information, usually through one or more of the five senses. Recognizing your child’s primary learning style will help you create a customized schooling plan that best caters to his or her needs and interests. A child’s learning style impacts their ability to retain information, pay attention during lectures, listen to another person speaking, and many other skills they will need throughout their academic career and beyond. Good news! There are numerous ways to identify your child’s primary learning style. You can confirm this by using different strategies and seeing which one stands out as their dominant preference. Read on for our top tips for identifying your child’s primary learning style.

How To Help Kids Make Use Of Free Digita...

Creativity is indeed something that has to be cherished by an individual from a very young age. The generation of new ideas shows how children engage their time and use their brains for fruitful activities. It definitely helps the child to focus and be more thoughtful of their actions and also shows how they perceive things around them and also how they frame solutions on their own.

A Practical Guide to Effective Parenting

Parenting is not an easy task, and it will never get easier as the years pass by. Every parent has their own unique challenges, and parenting an older child can be particularly trying. This article contains valuable information on what’s expected of parents as they raise their children. If you are wondering how to raise a healthy, happy, and well-mannered child, read on for practical tips that can help you become a better parent.

Why Are Life Skills Development Activiti...

Education no longer just revolves around books and exams. Critical thinking and understanding situations in order to apply appropriate solutions are now a must in this modern world. It gives the child courage and confidence in their decision-making and a definite amount of strength to deal with difficult situations that life throws at them. Educational institutions and curricula are changing to adapt to such requirements, which is why it became necessary to imbibe life skills and communicate the same to the students. Here we are trying to scrutinize the different possibilities that life skills education can put on the table.

Ways to Inspire Your Child Towards Succe...

The world is growing to be highly competitive, and it demands that children and even adults hone their techniques and skills to match the competition that has been put forth by their peers and communities. When we talk about learning in children, we all tend to easily relate to academic progress, but that is not just what is needed to survive. The learning that has to be imparted to children should be able to develop them as smart individuals who are emotionally competent with their peers. The student’s overall learning is complete when he or she is able to comprehend ideas, walk themselves through the required solutions, ask questions, and seek assistance when needed to aid in their growth. If you feel learning is only something that revolves around textbook learning, then this blog will surely enlighten you with the different perspectives of learning and how to use them to ensure your child’s growth, development, and success.

How Experiential Learning Prepares Stude...

How Experiential Learning Prepares Students For a World Outside the Classroom

Play-Based Education To Shape Your Kid’s...

Blending Freedom And Discipline In The M...

Blending Freedom And Discipline In The Montessori Classroom

Importance of STEAM Education in High Sc...

The child’s education is a confusing arena for most parents. The stream they choose will decide how their future is going to be.

Having a positive mindset in the classroom can do wonders for tuning out the children as wonderful human beings.

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The Arts Need to Be a Central Part of Schooling

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The great education thinker John Dewey claimed that art is not the possession of a recognized few but the authentic expression of individuality for all. Among those who care about education, few would deny that the arts now struggle to survive in our nation’s schools. The visual and performing arts frequently are marginalized as fringe subjects, taking a back seat in school curricula when funds are tight or teaching time is usurped by subjects that count toward school accountability measures.

Yet a growing number of researchers and educators are in agreement that participation in the arts should become a central component of schooling, as research suggests that the arts can be a significant factor in improving academic outcomes. This premise may cause some arts advocates to bristle, believing that arts experiences are important for the sheer joy of human expression and that educators should not have to justify access to the arts as a way to increase learning.

That may be true, but it is hard to ignore the growing body of research that correlates arts experiences with multiple domains of learning, including academic achievement, motivation, and thinking skills. Moreover, using art forms as a pedagogical tool in teaching other subjects—known as arts integration—is showing promise for enabling students to learn and retain academic content, according to a thorough literature review by Gail Burnaford and other researchers published for the Arts Education Partnership . Students in schools that offer arts-integrated learning are more likely to show better academic outcomes, transfer knowledge from arts to nonarts domains, and demonstrate greater motivation and engagement in learning.

Despite those findings, some educators resist using the arts as a way to teach and reinforce content. In my experience leading schools, offering professional development, and teaching graduate and doctoral-level courses, I have encountered reluctance for incorporating the arts into instructional practices. Three common scenarios stand out for classroom teachers:

Arts provide another vehicle for students with limited language or lower academic skills to demonstrate mastery of academic content."

• The teacher would like to use more arts-based activities, noting that students remember more content and seem to enjoy the subject matter better when the arts are incorporated into lessons compared with using only traditional methods. The teacher worries, however, that using arts activities will reduce the time needed to cover all the required curriculum.

• The teacher believes that she is not very artistic and finds it hard to imagine the kind of arts activities that would enhance learning math; it is easier to follow traditional teaching strategies.

• The teacher worries that low-performing students need more time in remediation and would not learn as much without highly structured curricula that offer repetition of essential content and skills.

Noting the concerns of educators and the dearth of research that explores the causal effects of arts integration on memory for academic content, our research team at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education conducted randomized control trials to test the efficacy of arts-integrated science units (the treatment condition) compared with conventional science units (the control condition). We designed treatment and control units using the same science content and designed arts activities that would require the same amount of teaching time as in conventional lessons.

We also matched the mode of delivery (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to assure active learning experiences in both conditions. In the course of the studies, we provided professional development for teachers to show that robust arts-based teaching can be easily incorporated into lessons. For example, using songs, movement, and visual vocabulary does not require extensive arts training or elaborate materials.

In our studies, each randomized group of students received a science unit in either the treatment or control condition and a second science unit in the opposite condition. According to the results of delayed post-tests, arts-integrated teaching showed an advantage for long-term retention of science content. That increase in retention in the arts-integrated units was especially strong for students at the lowest levels of reading achievement. We believe, therefore, that the arts provide another vehicle for students with limited language or lower academic skills to demonstrate mastery of academic content.

Our studies provide some preliminary causal connections between arts-integrated learning and memory for content. The findings also raise some interesting questions about whether learning through the arts transfers residual benefits. We observed that students who experienced the arts-integrated units first performed significantly better in subsequent conventional units compared with students who had not yet experienced the arts-integrated units. That made us wonder if students who were taught using arts-integrated instruction may have later applied arts-based strategies, even when not taught through the arts.

These observations open interesting possibilities that warrant further investigation. Do the arts aid in thinking dispositions and problem-solving skills, as some researchers have suggested? Perhaps the current focus on 21st-century skills of creative problem-solving will lead us back to the arts as a fruitful alternative to conventional teaching—as Dewey suggested at the start of the 20th century.

Coverage of leadership, expanded learning time, and arts learning is supported in part by a grant from The Wallace Foundation, at www.wallacefoundation.org . Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage. A version of this article appeared in the October 04, 2017 edition of Education Week as Asking the Right Questions for a Creative Future

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Essay on Art

500 words essay on art.

Each morning we see the sunshine outside and relax while some draw it to feel relaxed. Thus, you see that art is everywhere and anywhere if we look closely. In other words, everything in life is artwork. The essay on art will help us go through the importance of art and its meaning for a better understanding.

What is Art?

For as long as humanity has existed, art has been part of our lives. For many years, people have been creating and enjoying art.  It expresses emotions or expression of life. It is one such creation that enables interpretation of any kind.

It is a skill that applies to music, painting, poetry, dance and more. Moreover, nature is no less than art. For instance, if nature creates something unique, it is also art. Artists use their artwork for passing along their feelings.

Thus, art and artists bring value to society and have been doing so throughout history. Art gives us an innovative way to view the world or society around us. Most important thing is that it lets us interpret it on our own individual experiences and associations.

Art is similar to live which has many definitions and examples. What is constant is that art is not perfect or does not revolve around perfection. It is something that continues growing and developing to express emotions, thoughts and human capacities.

Importance of Art

Art comes in many different forms which include audios, visuals and more. Audios comprise songs, music, poems and more whereas visuals include painting, photography, movies and more.

You will notice that we consume a lot of audio art in the form of music, songs and more. It is because they help us to relax our mind. Moreover, it also has the ability to change our mood and brighten it up.

After that, it also motivates us and strengthens our emotions. Poetries are audio arts that help the author express their feelings in writings. We also have music that requires musical instruments to create a piece of art.

Other than that, visual arts help artists communicate with the viewer. It also allows the viewer to interpret the art in their own way. Thus, it invokes a variety of emotions among us. Thus, you see how essential art is for humankind.

Without art, the world would be a dull place. Take the recent pandemic, for example, it was not the sports or news which kept us entertained but the artists. Their work of arts in the form of shows, songs, music and more added meaning to our boring lives.

Therefore, art adds happiness and colours to our lives and save us from the boring monotony of daily life.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Art

All in all, art is universal and can be found everywhere. It is not only for people who exercise work art but for those who consume it. If there were no art, we wouldn’t have been able to see the beauty in things. In other words, art helps us feel relaxed and forget about our problems.

FAQ of Essay on Art

Question 1: How can art help us?

Answer 1: Art can help us in a lot of ways. It can stimulate the release of dopamine in your bodies. This will in turn lower the feelings of depression and increase the feeling of confidence. Moreover, it makes us feel better about ourselves.

Question 2: What is the importance of art?

Answer 2: Art is essential as it covers all the developmental domains in child development. Moreover, it helps in physical development and enhancing gross and motor skills. For example, playing with dough can fine-tune your muscle control in your fingers.

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Art History Analysis – Formal Analysis and Stylistic Analysis

Typically in an art history class the main essay students will need to write for a final paper or for an exam is a formal or stylistic analysis.

A formal analysis is just what it sounds like – you need to analyze the form of the artwork. This includes the individual design elements – composition, color, line, texture, scale, contrast, etc. Questions to consider in a formal analysis is how do all these elements come together to create this work of art? Think of formal analysis in relation to literature – authors give descriptions of characters or places through the written word. How does an artist convey this same information?

Organize your information and focus on each feature before moving onto the text – it is not ideal to discuss color and jump from line to then in the conclusion discuss color again. First summarize the overall appearance of the work of art – is this a painting? Does the artist use only dark colors? Why heavy brushstrokes? etc and then discuss details of the object – this specific animal is gray, the sky is missing a moon, etc. Again, it is best to be organized and focused in your writing – if you discuss the animals and then the individuals and go back to the animals you run the risk of making your writing unorganized and hard to read. It is also ideal to discuss the focal of the piece – what is in the center? What stands out the most in the piece or takes up most of the composition?

A stylistic approach can be described as an indicator of unique characteristics that analyzes and uses the formal elements (2-D: Line, color, value, shape and 3-D all of those and mass).The point of style is to see all the commonalities in a person’s works, such as the use of paint and brush strokes in Van Gogh’s work. Style can distinguish an artist’s work from others and within their own timeline, geographical regions, etc.

Methods & Theories To Consider:

Expressionism

Instructuralism

Postmodernism

Social Art History

Biographical Approach

Poststructuralism

Museum Studies

Visual Cultural Studies

Stylistic Analysis Example:

The following is a brief stylistic analysis of two Greek statues, an example of how style has changed because of the “essence of the age.” Over the years, sculptures of women started off as being plain and fully clothed with no distinct features, to the beautiful Venus/Aphrodite figures most people recognize today. In the mid-seventh century to the early fifth, life-sized standing marble statues of young women, often elaborately dress in gaily painted garments were created known as korai. The earliest korai is a Naxian women to Artemis. The statue wears a tight-fitted, belted peplos, giving the body a very plain look. The earliest korai wore the simpler Dorian peplos, which was a heavy woolen garment. From about 530, most wear a thinner, more elaborate, and brightly painted Ionic linen and himation. A largely contrasting Greek statue to the korai is the Venus de Milo. The Venus from head to toe is six feet seven inches tall. Her hips suggest that she has had several children. Though her body shows to be heavy, she still seems to almost be weightless. Viewing the Venus de Milo, she changes from side to side. From her right side she seems almost like a pillar and her leg bears most of the weight. She seems be firmly planted into the earth, and since she is looking at the left, her big features such as her waist define her. The Venus de Milo had a band around her right bicep. She had earrings that were brutally stolen, ripping her ears away. Venus was noted for loving necklaces, so it is very possibly she would have had one. It is also possible she had a tiara and bracelets. Venus was normally defined as “golden,” so her hair would have been painted. Two statues in the same region, have throughout history, changed in their style.

Compare and Contrast Essay

Most introductory art history classes will ask students to write a compare and contrast essay about two pieces – examples include comparing and contrasting a medieval to a renaissance painting. It is always best to start with smaller comparisons between the two works of art such as the medium of the piece. Then the comparison can include attention to detail so use of color, subject matter, or iconography. Do the same for contrasting the two pieces – start small. After the foundation is set move on to the analysis and what these comparisons or contrasting material mean – ‘what is the bigger picture here?’ Consider why one artist would wish to show the same subject matter in a different way, how, when, etc are all questions to ask in the compare and contrast essay. If during an exam it would be best to quickly outline the points to make before tackling writing the essay.

Compare and Contrast Example:

Stele of Hammurabi from Susa (modern Shush, Iran), ca. 1792 – 1750 BCE, Basalt, height of stele approx. 7’ height of relief 28’

Stele, relief sculpture, Art as propaganda – Hammurabi shows that his law code is approved by the gods, depiction of land in background, Hammurabi on the same place of importance as the god, etc.

Top of this stele shows the relief image of Hammurabi receiving the law code from Shamash, god of justice, Code of Babylonian social law, only two figures shown, different area and time period, etc.

Stele of Naram-sin , Sippar Found at Susa c. 2220 - 2184 bce. Limestone, height 6'6"

Stele, relief sculpture, Example of propaganda because the ruler (like the Stele of Hammurabi) shows his power through divine authority, Naramsin is the main character due to his large size, depiction of land in background, etc.

Akkadian art, made of limestone, the stele commemorates a victory of Naramsin, multiple figures are shown specifically soldiers, different area and time period, etc.

Iconography

Regardless of what essay approach you take in class it is absolutely necessary to understand how to analyze the iconography of a work of art and to incorporate into your paper. Iconography is defined as subject matter, what the image means. For example, why do things such as a small dog in a painting in early Northern Renaissance paintings represent sexuality? Additionally, how can an individual perhaps identify these motifs that keep coming up?

The following is a list of symbols and their meaning in Marriage a la Mode by William Hogarth (1743) that is a series of six paintings that show the story of marriage in Hogarth’s eyes.

• Man has pockets turned out symbolizing he has lost money and was recently in a fight by the state of his clothes.
• Lap dog shows loyalty but sniffs at woman’s hat in the husband’s pocket showing sexual exploits.
• Black dot on husband’s neck believed to be symbol of syphilis.
• Mantel full of ugly Chinese porcelain statues symbolizing that the couple has no class.
• Butler had to go pay bills, you can tell this by the distasteful look on his face and that his pockets are stuffed with bills and papers.
• Card game just finished up, women has directions to game under foot, shows her easily cheating nature.
• Paintings of saints line a wall of the background room, isolated from the living, shows the couple’s complete disregard to faith and religion.
• The dangers of sexual excess are underscored in the Hograth by placing Cupid among ruins, foreshadowing the inevitable ruin of the marriage.
• Eventually the series (other five paintings) shows that the woman has an affair, the men duel and die, the woman hangs herself and the father takes her ring off her finger symbolizing the one thing he could salvage from the marriage.

Studying art in school also improves students' performance in other subjects, because it is easier for multi-skilled students to learn new things. That's why art should be obligatory in schools. Do you agree or disagree?

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• Check your IELTS essay »
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In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people. To what extent do the advantages of having an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?

Many people work long hours, leaving very little time for leisure activities. does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages, many people aim to achieve a balance between work and other parts of lives, but few people achieve it. what are the causes of the problem how to overcome it, fewer and fewer people walk on a daily basis. what are the reasons and how to encourage them to spend their time walking, the development of tourism contributed to english becoming the most prominent language in the world. some people think this will lead to english becoming the only language to be spoken globally. what are the advantages and disadvantages to having one language in the world.

Immersing Students in Sustainable Art Education

Recommendations and insights from art educator and tc doctoral student iván d. asin, a sustainability champion inside and outside the classroom.

As he approaches his 14th year teaching art in New York City, TC doctoral student Iván D. Asin recalls when he first strived for a more sustainable way of living. Art, Asin had realized, was not impervious to the pitfalls of overconsumption. 

“Even if we had unlimited resources, that doesn’t mean we should abuse them or the world around us,” explains Asin, who moved to the U.S. from Chile, later began teaching, and then wanted to do more.

“When I came across the doctoral program in Art and Art Education at Teachers College, it just made sense,” says Asin, who leveraged insights from the program to establish the Center for Education and Sustainability (CAES), a nonprofit through which Asin helps art educators implement sustainable practices in their teaching. “Teachers College laid the framework for combining my passions for art education and sustainability to create something bigger.”

“Something bigger” was on full display recently at Teachers College, where Asin joined TC experts and others in helping 40 middle school educators incorporate sustainability and climate science into their teaching. In honor of the College’s recent Summer Climate Institute , Asin shares key insights from his art education and sustainability work. 

Iván D. Asin discusses sustainable art education the 2024 Summer Climate Institute in July. (Photo: TC Archives)  

 Iván D. Asin leading a workshop at TC's Hollingworth Center. (Photo courtesy of Center for Education and Sustainability)

Doctoral student Iván Asin (center) speaks during a panel about interdisciplinary climate instruction, featuring Sian Zelbo, Rochy Flint, Courtney Brown, Sandra Schmidt and Ann Rivet. (Photo: TC Archives) 

Sustainability is a mindset. 

For Asin, embracing a sustainable lifestyle is more comprehensive than a simple list of to-dos. It requires a reframing of the world around oneself — one that rejects shallow demonstrations of greenwashing. 

“If you ask people why they recycle or why they do the things they do, the answer is not much further than ‘climate change’ or ‘global warming.’ But when we see it as a lifestyle change, we’re inclined to contribute to something much bigger,” says the art educator, who recommends partnering with community members to leverage local resources, particularly in metropolitan areas, which makes all the difference.

Asin’s track record includes employing this strategy in a variety of contexts, such as at an orphanage in Lima, Peru, where Asin helped students create pigments and dyes from the abundant Tara seeds surrounding them. “It is crucial that we provide our students — regardless of their age — with enough intellectual tools so they can continue exploring the possibilities for developing a sustainable art studio on their own.”

Students participating in Asin's Mural Exchange Program. (Photo: Center for Education and Sustainability) 

(Photo courtesy of Center for Education and Sustainability) 

Strive for real, sustainable change with community partnerships. 

It’s no secret that community building is key in widespread change.  “The most important thing is to understand the local issues,” says Asin, reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic as an example of the power of local thinking. “It’s much easier to get people to care when you’re talking about people they know – their neighbors, their kids, families— that has a much bigger impact. When it hits you closer to home, people want to get involved and take action. It’s the same concept for sustainability issues.”

The same sentiment applies to the classroom, too. “Often one of the greatest obstacles that schools face in successful, sustainable art education is connecting and having access to local community resources. It’s important that we create a genuine environmental consciousness so that our students feel compelled to act on what they have learned beyond the classroom walls,” Asin wrote in 2018. 

“Focusing on being part of your smaller community is much more useful and empowering than looking too much at the global situation. At the core, what matters is your ability to talk about these issues.”

(Photo courtesy of Center for Education and Sustainability)

Learn more about TC’s recent Summer Climate Institute, which prepares teachers to integrate climate change into the classroom here . 

— Morgan Gilbard and Jackie Teschon

Tags: Arts Arts Climate Change K-12 Education Student Profiles Sustainability

Programs: Art and Art Education

Departments: Arts & Humanities

Published Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024

Teachers College Newsroom

Address: Institutional Advancement 193-197 Grace Dodge Hall

Box: 306 Phone: (212) 678-3231 Email: views@tc.columbia.edu

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• Academic practice
• General practice
• Task 1 Academic
• Task 1 General
• Task 2 (essay)

Art writing task 2 questions for IELTS

Here you can find common IELTS essay questions for "Art" topic.

For a long time art has been considered an essential part of all cultures in the world. However, nowadays people’s values have changed, and we tend to consider science, technology and business more important than arts.

What do you think are the causes of this?

What can be done to draw people’s attention to art?

The government's investment in arts, music and theatre is a waste of money. Governments should invest these funds in public services instead.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Studying art in school improves students' performance in other subjects, because it is easier for multi-skilled students to learn new things. That's why art should be obligatory in schools.

Do you agree or disagree?

Visiting Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion?

You must join the virtual exhibition queue when you arrive. If capacity has been reached for the day, the queue will close early.

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

The ashcan school.

William James Glackens

Spanish Music Hall

Everett Shinn

Central Park, Winter

The Old Duchess

George Luks

Dust Storm, Fifth Avenue

Dutch Girl in White

Robert Henri

The Green Car

Crowd at the Seashore

The Masquerade Dress

Spanish Roma Woman (The Spanish Gypsy)

London Music Hall

The Brook, Nova Scotia

Boy with Baseball

The Lafayette

H. Barbara Weinberg The American Wing, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

About 1900, a group of Realist artists set themselves apart from and challenged the American Impressionists and academics. The most extensively trained member of this group was Robert Henri (1865–1929), who had studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts from 1886 to 1888 under Thomas Anshutz (1851–1912). Anshutz had himself studied at the Pennsylvania Academy from 1876 to 1882 with Thomas Eakins , who had defied Victorian decorum in his teaching principles and in his boldly realistic paintings. Eakins would become the lodestar to Henri and his associates. After spending the years from 1888 to 1891 working at the Académie Julian in Paris , Henri taught at the School of Design for Women in Philadelphia and gave private art classes in and around that city and, during return visits to France, in and around Paris. Beginning in 1892, Henri also became the mentor to four Philadelphia illustrators —William James Glackens (1870–1938), George Luks (1866–1933), Everett Shinn (1876–1953), and John Sloan (1871–1951)—who worked together at several local newspapers and gathered to study, share studios, and travel. Between late 1896 and 1904, they all moved to New York, where Henri himself settled in 1900.

Henri and his former-Philadelphia associates comprised the first generation of what came to be known as the Ashcan School. A second generation consisted of Henri’s New York students, of whom George Bellows (1882–1925) was the most devoted. The term Ashcan School was suggested by a drawing by Bellows captioned Disappointments of the Ash Can , which appeared in the Philadelphia Record in April 1915; was invoked by cartoonist Art Young in a disparaging critique that appeared in the New York Sun in April 1916; and was given curatorial currency by Holger Cahill and Alfred H. Barr Jr. in a 1934 exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Although the Ashcan artists were not an organized “school” and espoused somewhat varied styles and subjects, they were all urban Realists who supported Henri’s credo—“art for life’s sake,” rather than “art for art’s sake.” They also presented their works in several important early twentieth-century New York exhibitions, including a group show at the National Arts Club in 1904; the landmark show of The Eight at Macbeth Galleries in February 1908, which included the five senior Ashcan School painters along with Ernest Lawson (1873–1939), Maurice Prendergast (1858–1924), and Arthur B. Davies (1862–1928); the Exhibition of Independent Artists in 1910; and the Armory Show—an immense display dominated by modern European art—in 1913.

In their paintings as in their illustrations, etchings , and lithographs , Henri and his fellow Ashcan artists concentrated on portraying New York’s vitality and recording its seamy side, keeping a keen eye on current events and their era’s social and political rhetoric. Stylistically, they depended upon the dark palette and gestural brushwork of Diego Velázquez , Frans Hals , Francisco de Goya , Honoré Daumier, and recent Realists such as Wilhelm Leibl, Édouard Manet , and Edgar Degas . They preferred broad, calligraphic forms, which they could render “on the run” or from memory, thereby enlisting skills that most of them had cultivated as newspaper illustrators. Although the Ashcan artists advocated immersion in modern actualities, they were neither social critics nor reformers and they did not paint radical propaganda. While they identified with the vitality of the lower classes and resolved to register the dismal aspects of urban existence , they themselves led pleasant middle-class lives, enjoying New York’s restaurants and bars, its theater and vaudeville, and its popular nearby resorts such as Coney Island. Because they avoided civil unrest, class tensions, and the grit of the streets, their works are never as direct or disturbing as those of their European counterparts or of the reformist images of American photographers such as Jacob Riis.

The Ashcan artists selectively documented an unsettling, transitional time in American culture that was marked by confidence and doubt, excitement and trepidation. Ignoring or registering only gently harsh new realities such as the problems of immigration and urban poverty, they shone a positive light on their era. Along with the American Impressionists, the Ashcan artists defined the avant-garde in the United States until the 1913 Armory Show introduced to the American public the works of true modernists Henri Matisse , Pablo Picasso , Marcel Duchamp , and others. Henri and most of his Ashcan colleagues continued to paint—even into the 1940s, in the case of Sloan and Shinn. Although their creativity waned and their pioneering character faded, they infused some of their late canvases with their earlier vigor.

Weinberg, H. Barbara. “The Ashcan School.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/ashc/hd_ashc.htm (April 2010)

Further Reading

Berman, Avis. Rebels on Eighth Street: Juliana Force and the Whitney Museum of American Art . New York: Atheneum, 1990.

Milroy, Elizabeth. Painters of a New Century: The Eight . Milwaukee: Milwaukee Art Museum, 1991.

Tottis, James W., et al. Life's Pleasures: The Ashcan Artists' Brush with Leisure, 1895–1925 . Detroit: Detroit Institute of Arts, 2007.

Weinberg, H. Barbara, Doreen Bolger, and David Park Curry. American Impressionism and Realism: The Painting of Modern Life, 1885–1915 . Exhibition catalogue. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1994. See on MetPublications

Zurier, Rebecca. Picturing the City: Urban Vision and the Ashcan School . Berkeley: University of California Press, 2006.

Zurier, Rebecca, Robert W. Snyder, and Virginia M. Mecklenburg. Metropolitan Lives: The Ashcan Artists and Their New York . Washington, D.C.: National Museum of American Art, 1995.

Additional Essays by H. Barbara Weinberg

• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ William Merritt Chase (1849–1916) .” (July 2011)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ American Impressionism .” (October 2004)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) .” (October 2004)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ American Scenes of Everyday Life, 1840–1910 .” (September 2009)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ Americans in Paris, 1860–1900 .” (October 2006)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ Childe Hassam (1859–1935) .” (October 2004)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ James McNeill Whistler (1834–1903) .” (April 2010)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1844–1926) .” (October 2004)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ Thomas Eakins (1844–1916): Painting .” (October 2004)
• Weinberg, H. Barbara. “ Winslow Homer (1836–1910) .” (October 2004)

Related Essays

• American Impressionism
• American Scenes of Everyday Life, 1840–1910
• Lithography in the Nineteenth Century
• Nineteenth-Century American Drawings
• Thomas Eakins (1844–1916): Painting
• Alfred Stieglitz (1864–1946) and American Photography
• Alfred Stieglitz (1864–1946) and His Circle
• Bessie Potter Vonnoh (1872–1955)
• Daniel Chester French (1850–1931)
• Early Documentary Photography
• Edward Hopper (1882–1967)
• Francisco de Goya (1746–1828) and the Spanish Enlightenment
• Frans Hals (1582/83–1666)
• Frederic Remington (1861–1909)
• Marcel Duchamp (1887–1968)
• Mary Stevenson Cassatt (1844–1926)
• Nineteenth-Century French Realism
• Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)
• School of Paris
• Thomas Eakins (1844–1916): Photography, 1880s–90s
• Velázquez (1599–1660)
• France, 1800–1900 A.D.
• France, 1900 A.D.–present
• The United States and Canada, 1800–1900 A.D.
• The United States and Canada, 1900 A.D.–present
• 19th Century A.D.
• 20th Century A.D.
• American Art
• Arboreal Landscape
• Ashcan School / The Eight
• Avant-Garde
• Impressionism
• Modern and Contemporary Art
• North America
• Oil on Canvas
• Philadelphia
• Printmaking
• United States
• Victorian Art

Artist or Maker

• Anshutz, Thomas
• Daumier, Honoré
• Degas, Edgar
• Duchamp, Marcel
• Eakins, Thomas
• Glackens, William James
• Hals, Frans
• Henri, Robert
• Luks, George
• Matisse, Henri
• Picasso, Pablo
• Prendergast, Maurice
• Shinn, Everett
• Sloan, John

14 Pros and Cons of Cutting Art Programs in Schools

You can find the Wanette School District about 30 miles southeast of Norman in rural Oklahoma. For about as long as anyone can remember, the juniors and seniors at the high school had a dedicated art teacher who was there five days per week. It was an opportunity to sketch, paint, or even learn ceramics.

That all changed when the art program was cut from the district. Instead of creating art every day, now the only option for these students is to study the history of art online. Most students choose to take something else.

Over 1,000 arts programs were ended in Oklahoma between 2014 to 2018, including the one at the Wanette School District. Some teachers are trying to implement new classes in their free time, but up to 30% of students are now attending classes at a place where there is no access to the arts.

When we take a look at the pros and cons of cutting art programs in schools, it is clear to see that this action deepens the pre-existing inequalities that already divide urban and rural districts. It also widens the gap between the wealthy institutions and the poor ones.

List of the Pros of Cutting Art Programs in Schools

1. It reduces the staffing needs that rural districts have for the arts. The drop in art education affects some school districts more than others. Most states, including Oklahoma, find that it is the rural locations and low-income facilities that are impacted the most by budget cuts to this subject. Although a shrinking budget is an oft-cited factor for this action, there is also the problem of recruiting certified teachers for the subject. Today’s students that go into teaching programs aren’t headed out to the rural districts. That means it can be challenging to find someone who can run a program.

2. It can improve the budget for the school district. There is a real money factor to consider when looking at an arts program and the benefits that happen by cutting it. If you take the average cost of a program per school and apply it to a somewhat small district like Monroe, WI, there are a total of five programs that would require oversight from teachers. That means you’re multiplying the $150,000 by 5, and that becomes an unwieldy number for most districts. Athletics can bring in money, sponsorships, and more. Arts – and music – typically bring funds when the school charges activity fees to parents.

The economics of art classes is that the cost of supplies is significantly higher than it is for what students need to have to learn mathematics. When you include the push for more STEM services, the choice often becomes keeping art or paying for the new science, technology, and engineering structures – so the latter often wins.

3. Cutting arts programs equalizes the playing field. When rich and poor school districts are all cutting arts programs, then it creates more of an equal opportunity for students. This advantage is not always looked at in positive ways, but it does stop the problem of having larger districts providing more opportunities to students than the smaller ones.

Librarian Brenda Roberts in Wanette said that there used to be grant money for taking the entire high school to the art museum in Oklahoma City. Then they took them to museums in smaller Norman. All of those funds dried up. Without this structure, kids from rural or poor schools would struggle to find employment opportunities in cultural or creative positions because there is no way to compete with those who actually received an education.

4. Art is not a required course to take. Unless a student plans to pursue an undergraduate degree or higher in an artistic field, taking classes in this creative subject at the high school level or below is not mandatory. Most colleges are going to look at a child’s grades, athletic achievements, club activities, and extracurricular work to determine their merits for entry. Even when a class is present, fewer students often take it. That creates a better student-teacher ratio, but it can also create the appearance of paying a teacher an unequal amount of money since there are fewer contacts to manage throughout the day.

List of the Cons of Cutting Art Programs in Schools

1. Arts programs contribute to higher levels of economic growth. The arts and culture industry of the United States supports almost 5 million jobs each year. It is a community that also produces a $26 billion trade surplus that benefits local American economies. Cutting the money to art programs in schools might seem like it can help to balance a budget, but it only creates short-term benefits. When children are not given the opportunity to express their creative intelligence, then there are fewer success stories that come out of school. Reading, writing, and math are just as important as art.

2. Early childhood arts programs provide high returns. Programs that contribute to early childhood education opportunities are essential investments for the success of the next generation. It presents one of the highest returns of any public sector investment made in the United States. When there is $1 invested into programs that support art and culture for today’s youth, then an $8 economic return occurs. Over 80% of the benefits that come from this advantage of art programs benefit the public directly.

Art programs are another source of language acquisition and education, especially for younger children. It benefits communities with low or middle incomes the most. When children receive exposure to these programs, then it can cut into the natural disadvantages that exist because of their socioeconomic status.

3. The annual budget for art programs in schools is surprisingly small. The average annual program budget for art classes in the United States at public schools is around $150,000. The median budget when looking at all districts was $84,000. Most districts only need to have one art teacher per school, which means this resource can stretch further than most administrators realize. Considering the cost to house one delinquent youth for a year is at least $20,000, taxpayers can save more if schools invest in these programs.

Even if the school must look at an after-school arts program, the estimated annual cost per student in the United States is only $1,000. That means each student who can attend these classes instead of going to a correctional facility can save a community at least $36,000 per year. That means you only need to save three students from delinquency to make the program pay for itself.

4. Art classes increase the chance that a low-income student can go to college. Professor James Catterall of the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies found that regular participation in art classes can raise SAT scores by an average of 91 points. It can also improve the coordination between the brain’s hemispheres for students in the K-12 public school. His work shows that low-income students with courses in the arts are more likely to attend college and do well there. It also improves the opportunities to find meaningful employment, vote in elections, and seek out volunteer options.

Arts encourage students to stay in school when they might otherwise choose to leave. It gives them an opportunity to embrace different traditions and cultures. It nourishes the problem-solving skills needed for today’s complex environments.

5. It stops the development of empathy and tolerance. One of the primary reasons why our society today may be more intolerant and polarized than ever before is because there are fewer fine arts classes available. A study produced by the University of Arkansas in 2014 found that young people who receive exposure to creative classroom environments have more tolerance and empathy for those around them. This outcome corresponds with other research that shows students that have consistent access to the arts have lower dropout rates from school.

Arts, music, and other creative classes don’t show up on the standardized tests that schools and the government use for funding and placement. That’s actually the point. If you are going to teach a child to be a well-rounded adult, then that approach must start with how we structure their education.

6. Arts classes can serve as a form of inspiration for students. Exposure to the arts is proven to be a form of expression and inspiration for students who find themselves in at-risk situations. This issue is especially prevalent in inner-city schools, providing an opportunity to improve that child’s outlook on their education. One of the reasons why kids choose to stay when they would otherwise drop out is because the arts program provides a supportive environment to work. It is a structure that promotes constructive acceptance, including critiques of creative efforts, while still making it a safe place for students to be bold with their risk-taking ventures.

7. The presence of art classes can improve standardized test scores. School districts that start cutting art classes to throw money at the standardized test subjects often find that their scores still go down. When children receive time in art education, then there are boosts to their final testing scores. The College Board discovered that a student who takes four years of classes can achieve grades that are 10% better on these tests.

There is a specific reason why this outcome occurs. When children have the opportunity to channel negative emotions into something positive, then it gives them an opportunity to express themselves in ways that teach coping mechanisms. It is impossible to measure what the arts and music can teach a child.

8. Creative careers are still possible in today’s world. Art can take on many forms. It took creative writing classes in college to help produce the content and structure of what you’re reading right now. Music can spark a child’s interest in an instrument, giving them an opportunity to travel the world while supporting themselves. These careers create a chance to be open to learning about new people and experiences to the point where acting, graphics design, or computer coding becomes better because of the visual approaches that these classes require.

Instead of focusing on what is being tested all of the time, school rankings should be focused on other metrics. We cut art because we’re testing for reading, math, and science. What if we could create an artistic standardized test that would also impact the ratings that schools receive for student performance?

9. Art stimulates a different part of the brain. Arts and music stimulate a different part of the child’s mind that might not be used at home. Language and mathematics retention is possible when combined with art and music lessons. When you cut out half of the equation, then you’re removing that part of the child’s potential. Learning how to read music or paint in a specific way is just like learning a new language. Even poems that rhyme or artistic works with patterns create unconscious learning opportunities that are worth exploring.

10. It may cause some students to never receive exposure to the arts. When low-income and rural school districts decide to cut their art programs, then it may create a chain of events where a student is never introduced to these subjects. Cutting these programs in affluent areas transfers the responsibility to private lessons and charitable providers. Rural families don’t have that option, or if they do, the choices are limited and the quality of results questionable.

Some families cannot afford Crayons, much less an instrument rental that costs $40 per month or more. Giving kids an opportunity to escape into a creative world while at school, even if it is for just a few moments, may offer a lifetime of benefits that is worth considering.

Local museums, outside programs, and non-profit agencies are working to fill in the gaps being left by arts programs cut from local schools. The reasons for those cuts vary, including a misinterpretation that these programs are optional or unnecessary. It can be a misguided reaction to poor results on standardized testing.

Some communities even see no value in arts to the workforce or a person’s education. Programs are more in trouble today than ever before despite the overwhelming data that shows clear connections between success and studying the arts.

The best step that parents can take if they don’t want their arts program to disappear is to create an advocacy plan. This proactive option will let you provide the first steps to approach the people who have the most influence on the school budget. When you can respond quickly to the idea of cuts with critical pros and cons like these, then there is a better opportunity to save the plan.

Arts advocacy requires more than angry cries and links to statistics. We must all become active members of our school boards, city councils, and legislatures to stop this trend of cutting classes. Our children deserve a future that teaches them creativity is essential. If we do not, then all of the problems we see today might get even worse for the next generation.

4 Intentional Ways to Plan for Back to School in the Art Room 

As summer winds down and back-to-school season approaches, the itch begins to start planning for the new school year. We all know planning is a good idea, but where do we begin? Planning for back to school isn’t only about hanging posters on the walls. It’s also about preparing our minds, refining our curriculums, and enriching our learning through professional development! Whether you’re back in your classroom for another year or new to art education , organize and refresh your back-to-school plan so you’re full of art teacher energy on day one! 

If you’re excited to plan for back-to-school, keep reading for four steps to prepare your art room, curriculum, and professional development for a successful year. 

1. Reflect and set goals for the year.

Preparing for the school year is easy with a solid plan. After all, “ If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail .” Whether you are a   new art teacher , a   general education teacher switching to the art room, or a seasoned art educator, taking time to reflect and set goals is crucial for a successful year. Reflecting upon previous experiences allows you to assess what worked before and identify areas for improvement moving forward.

Here are some questions to consider as you reflect and set goals: 

• What worked well with my classroom setup? How can I rearrange things to improve student engagement and collaboration?
• Which lessons were student favorites? What made them so successful?
• Which projects or activities flopped? How can I tweak them to make them smoother?
• Research your student demographics and remember last year’s rosters. Brainstorm ways to approach the curriculum with an inclusive lens to meet student needs.
• Consider any behavioral issues faced. How can I take a more proactive approach? 
• Pinpoint some areas where I felt challenged. What specific resources or professional development can I seek out?

If you’re brand new to teaching art, use previous experiences as a student or from student teaching to reflect and set goals:

• What is one classroom environment that encouraged creativity and learning? What are some ideas I can incorporate into my classroom?
• What was a memorable art lesson that everyone was excited about? What strategies can I apply? 
• Think about one teacher who fostered a welcoming and supportive space. How can I cultivate that same feeling in my art room?
• Where do I feel most confident as an art educator? How can I harness this strength?
• What parts of teaching are still intimidating? What specific resources or support systems can I seek out? 

Once you’ve reflected on your past experiences, create specific and achievable goals . Goal setting allows you to review measurable changes in your teaching practice and classroom. Start simple with one or two goals. Mark your planner at the end of each quarter to check in, assess, and reflect! 

2. Set up your art room for efficient systems and routines.

Setting up your art room or cart is one of the more exciting tasks to prep for a new year. However, this can also be daunting if you are new to teaching, moving rooms, or transitioning to become a traveling art teacher . If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a breath! We have many resources for you to organize your space so your students can create magic.

Ask questions like the ones below to help you decide what systems and routines to focus on this year:

• Where will students use each major material or medium? 
• What is my system for distributing and collecting art supplies?
• Where will I display completed student artwork?
• Where will I store wet and dry in-progress work?
• How do I want students to move through the room? 

Watch these three YouTube mini-series to find answers to your specific art room needs:

• Equip yourself with tips and tricks to add to your classroom management toolkit in Run the Art Room . Learn new ideas for how to enter and exit the classroom, prep art materials, and distribute and collect supplies.
• Discover how to bring order to your art room with Artfully Organized . This series addresses the unique challenges and complexities of the art room and includes tips to tackle labeling, table caddies, learning target walls, and more. 
• Explore fresh ideas to spruce up your art room in  Art Room Makeover . Gain budget-friendly art room DIYs, decluttering and cleaning motivation, and bulletin board ideas.

3. Refresh and refine your curriculum and lesson plans.

You may have a curriculum to follow that you’d like to make your own this year. Maybe you perfected your scope and sequence but are looking for new twists and artists to keep things fresh. Perhaps you have nothing and have no clue where to even begin! No matter your lesson plan situation, FLEX Curriculum is here to help you cultivate a year of growth.

FLEX Curriculum is the ultimate K-12 Visual Arts curriculum with scope and sequences for each grade level, standards-aligned lesson plans, and student-facing resources and assessments. Everything is ready-to-go for the classroom and is flexible to fit your students’ specific needs.

While there are many updates to all grade-level content in FLEX, there are exciting new changes specifically for high school art teachers:

• Check out four new advanced drawing lessons about figure drawing, digital drawing, and more.
• Download 40 new student-facing drawing resources.
• Browse 126 updated lesson plans with fresh essential questions, differentiation tips, and linked videos.

4. Tap into lifelong learning through inspiring professional development. 

This is your year to nurture your growth as an art teacher as well! Professional development is a way to introduce new teaching methods, stay up-to-date on current trends and practices, gain innovative lesson ideas, learn fresh art techniques, and network with like-minded educators. If you wait until you have extra time or resources to dig into PD, your PD will likely not happen! It’s key to have a plan you can simply execute when things get busy.

Come up with a professional development plan to prioritize your growth and invest in your teaching career. Crafting your own PD plan instead of or in addition to general district PD will accelerate your learning—you’ll be able to customize goals to build on your strengths and pinpoint areas for growth.

If you’re looking for art education-specific PD created for art teachers, by art teachers, you’re in the right place! PRO Learning is an on-demand professional development with more than 200 Packs of teacher-facing videos and resources. Within PRO, there are several guides to help you craft your own PD plan. There are also several curated playlists to make your planning a breeze.

Here are our favorite PRO Packs for back-to-school:

• Organizing the Art Room for Choice
• Getting Started Teaching Art on a Cart
• Organizing Your Elementary Art Room for Success

If you want to harness ready-made curriculum and professional development resources this year, reach out to discover how to get your district to fund FLEX and PRO .

Starting a new school year is an invigorating time filled with mixed emotions and a very long to-do list. Take the intimidation out of the equation with the four tips above. Just like in artmaking, set aside time to ideate your year. Set goals for the new school year so you can have a confident start and guaranteed growth. Consider your art room space so you and your students can focus on artmaking. Explore how FLEX Curriculum and PRO Learning can streamline your planning and cultivate artistic and professional growth. With a little intentional planning, you got this school year!

Don’t miss these two articles packed with valuable back-to-school downloads:

• The 8 Best Downloads for Art Teachers to Stand Out This Year  
• Colorful Conversations: 9 Fantastic Resources to Enhance Communication in Your Art Room  

Where are you in the back-to-school planning process?

Identify one next step you will take this week so you can start the year with intention!

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Kristina Brown

Kristina Brown, a high school art educator, is a current AOEU Writer. She is passionate about inquiry-based learning, student-centered art education, and creating a welcoming and engaging environment for students.

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