Arts Integration In School
If students run out of creativity, and it becomes difficult to perform a task, the studying approach should be changed, for example, with arts integration.
Arts integration as a new teaching approach
How many times have you received a question, «Can you solve my math homework?» or asked it yourself? College is a hard period in the life of every young person as it is connected not only with freedom and parties but with proper studying to get the job of your dream. With all the stress and amount of homework students receive every day, they look for ways to make this easier. For example, you can get help with your assignment or do yoga. However, the reason for concentration lack and difficulties with performing tasks can become the wrong studying approach. In this article, we will demonstrate how arts integration can benefit students` performance and get them motivated.
Why are arts crucial to the educational process?
This approach is a special curricular strategy that is based on thorough research and effective use of arts. Even though it can still be mistreated by many educators, it doesn`t make it less efficient. This approach offers education based on certain standards, teaching stuff though the arts (when you feel a connection between the arts and educational content), and evaluation of both arts and this content. What are the basic requirements set by schools?
- Educational content and art should be interconnected and evaluated equally;
- Students receive constant access to detailed arts instructions;
- Professional development is a must;
- Parents and schools cooperate to support this approach.
Why should the arts be included into high school and college? In case if:
1. Students work super hard but still have problems with performing assignments;
2. Teachers get stressed from the first minute in class;
3. Some students get labeled as «difficult» ones;
4. School wants to support its staff and give some flexibility.
In many schools today, there are problems with interest, motivation, and flexibility, so the arts integration method can become a way out to try a different approach. Admit it: every school strives to provide a great environment for learning, and there is nothing changed within years. The arts are important because it provides chance to be creative and increase their achievements. It`s a fact that in schools with arts included, students' results increase by 10%.
Active participation
When the arts are implemented into the process on purpose, students are actively involved in learning which provides an option to control their learning and increase interest in achieving success;
Critical thinking
With learning, students can work on their personal opinion and develop analytical skills to solve different tasks and come up with innovative solutions. This also helps to build up their perseverance capacities;
Process facilitation
Teachers help students understand the new approach and empower their personal development and growth. They feel less stressed and are able to provide a great learning environment;
Equity and connectivity
Every student has their own learning environment with access points and differentiation. With more creativity included, students can work together on the same projects strengthening and improving their skills.
We don`t say that there is no place for innovation, arts, creativity, and more meaningful learning in schools and colleges today. But not every school is brave enough to go beyond traditional methods of education even if they bring no real result while STEAM is already a proven working approach. That is why colleges and other institutions are recommended to consider it for including into the curriculum and effectively applying in their academic programs.