This session run by Sarah Harris explored the benefits associated with an artistic approach to learning.
6 reasons why arts in education are so important
· They are languages that all people speak that cut across cultural, social, educational, and economic barriers.
· They provide opportunities for self-expression.
· They develop both independence and collaboration.
· They make it possible to use personal strengths in meaningful ways.
· They improve academic achievement — attitudes, social skills, critical and creative thinking.
· They exercise and develop higher order thinking skills including analysis, evaluation, and “problem-finding.”
I would like to add ‘prosperity’ to this list, as it is interesting to note that official statistics published recently reveal that the UK’s creative Industries are now worth £71.4 billion per year to the UK economy –that is a staggering £8 million pounds an hour!
Finally, here are two great websites that I have used recently that encourage creativity.
iPads are powerful tools for creativity. Students can engage with content in interactive ways, find information in an instant, and create their own imagery anywhere, anytime. Packed full of adaptable ideas and inspiration for the classroom.
And don’t you just love it when science and art meets….
http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com
The Creators Project is a global network dedicated to the celebration of creativity, culture and technology, fantastic projects that will inspire discussion and ideas.
Leonardo would be proud!
Amanda Burdon @staffaburdon
