Art as a subject (Jan 25)

Answer questions embedded in the text of the reading.
Discuss the importance of teaching art as a core subject. Why is it important to ensure that there is time set aside in the curriculum, resources (teachers with art background, supplies, community resources) and space provided for art as a separate subject? Relate this reading to Dewey's notions of "objective conditions" of an educational experience. How can the discipline of art be taught such that it provides for an experience that is responsive to the learner's need for experiential continuity?

Art as a core subject enable the student to create work that is relevant to the learner. This subject also allows the learner to have some freedom. This makes it so that the learner takes their own initiative. By allowing the learner to have personalization within their work, this encourages their creative development. Promoting creative development allows the learner to be more perceptive and imaginative.

Teachers with an art background is important because they know how the materials work and also they have a better concept as to what art is. Teachers without art backgrounds mostly rely on crafts for students. This is good in terms of developing skills. When it comes to understanding different art forms and justification for the subject, teacher’s without the art background would not be able to make this experience relevant to the learner. If this is the case, and the learner cannot relate with the work, the experience becomes a negative one.

Art is also an essential part of culture. Art is the response of artists within society and the issues regarding the specific time. Without it, we would not understand many concepts. Elements of art is used within all subjects, and all subjects can be incorporated with art, therefore it is inescapable. Creating an open experience with art is beneficial in this sense because it provides divergent modes of thinking where the learner is provided with the opportunity of freedom within their work. Also through creative means, the learner can use art for a practical purpose that serves their needs