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Lisa Mazzola, Larissa Raphael, and Francis Estrada

Explore how activities can foster students’ creativity and encourage them to become empowered participants in their learning.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Art and Activity
Welcome to Art & Activity! Art can be a powerful catalyst for building skills and understanding across a wide range of subjects. In this module, we'll lay some of the groundwork that will prepare you for the rest of the course.
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Activities for Analyzing and Reflecting
In this module, we’re moving from theory to practice with videos that discuss drawing, sound, movement, writing, and game-based activities for building skills in analysis and reflection. Through demonstrations, descriptions, and lesson ideas, you'll discover some of the ways that activities empower students to look closely and think deeply about works of art, while also making personal connections to their own lives.
Activities for Creating, Imagining, and Connecting
In Module 3, you'll discover lessons and activities that appeal to various types of learners and nurture your students' creativity, imagination, and empathy. We will continue moving from theory to practice with videos and readings that discuss drawing, sound, movement, writing, discussion, and design thinking activities.
Assessment Strategies
In this module, you’ll shift focus from activities to assessments. The two videos address self-assessment for you as the facilitator and assessing student work. Additionally, you’ll gain access to resources you can consult and adapt for your assessments.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops creativity, analysis, and reflection skills, which are core skills for fostering innovation
Examines activities that appeal to various types of learners, increasing inclusivity and accessibility in the classroom
Taught by experienced educators with a background in art education, ensuring a strong foundation in the subject matter
Requires access to specific art supplies, which may pose a barrier for some learners

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Reviews summary

Engaging art explorations

Learners say constructivist approach and interactive assignments make this a fun course fit for educators and artists alike. The course offers a range of educational theory, activities, and lectures that can be completed quickly.
Short lectures make it easy to fit the course into a busy schedule.
"Short and rich lectures fit easily into the most busy schedule."
Constructivist principles permeate this course's approach.
"Great course based on constructivist approach to learning."
The course is accessible to practicing educators and university professors.
"This course will be really useful for practicing school teachers, university professors, even parents or persons interested in exploring more than just "date and medium" about art."
Learners appreciate the wide range of activities offered in the course.
"Additional activity ideas were a bonus!"
"Activities that are offered to try with students are great."
The course features engaging assignments that require learners to actively apply concepts.
"What I liked very much was the active part of the assignments, where we didn't simply answer multiple choice questions, but had to do some own "homework"."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art with these activities:
Review key concepts from previous art courses
Refresh your understanding of fundamental art concepts and theories covered in previous courses, building a strong foundation for the current course content.
Browse courses on Art History
Show steps
  • Review class notes, textbooks, or online materials from previous art courses.
  • Focus on core concepts such as the elements of art, principles of design, and different artistic styles.
  • Complete practice exercises or quizzes to test your understanding.
Read 'Ways of Seeing'
Explore ideas about art and society through this influential text, laying a solid foundation for the course content.
Show steps
  • Read each chapter carefully, taking notes on the main arguments and examples.
  • Consider how Berger's ideas relate to your own experiences and observations of art.
  • Discuss the book with others to gain diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Read 'The Art of Seeing'
Enhance your appreciation and understanding of art by exploring Berger's insightful perspectives on the role and impact of art in society.
Show steps
  • Read the book carefully, paying attention to Berger's arguments and examples.
  • Reflect on how Berger's ideas relate to your own experiences and understanding of art.
  • Discuss the book with others to gain diverse perspectives and deepen your comprehension.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Explore online resources on art history and theory
Expand your knowledge of art history and theory by engaging with online resources, complementing the course content and enriching your understanding of the subject.
Browse courses on Art History
Show steps
  • Find reputable online resources such as museum websites, art journals, and educational platforms.
  • Explore different art movements, artists, and theories through curated content and interactive materials.
  • Participate in online discussions or forums to share insights and learn from others.
Create a visual representation of an artwork
Develop a deeper understanding of an artwork by translating it into a visual representation, fostering observation and analytical skills.
Show steps
  • Select an artwork that resonates with you.
  • Choose a medium that best suits your interpretation, such as drawing, painting, or collage.
  • Create a visual representation that captures the essence, composition, and meaning of the artwork.
  • Write a brief artist's statement explaining your choices and interpretation.
Engage in peer critique and discussion
Enhance your critical thinking and communication skills by engaging in peer critique of artworks or interpretations, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Browse courses on Peer Feedback
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  • Form small groups with fellow students.
  • Share your artworks or interpretations with the group.
  • Provide constructive feedback on each other's work, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Engage in respectful and open discussions to refine ideas and expand perspectives.
Analyze various types of artworks
Sharpen your analytical skills and build a comprehensive understanding of different artistic styles and techniques by practicing analysis on various artworks.
Show steps
  • Visit museums or galleries to observe a diverse range of artworks.
  • Use the observation techniques discussed in the course to仔细 examine each artwork.
  • Write or discuss your analysis, focusing on elements such as composition, color, symbolism, and historical context.
Analyze and discuss different artistic styles
Develop a nuanced understanding of diverse artistic styles by analyzing and discussing their unique characteristics, techniques, and historical contexts.
Browse courses on Art History
Show steps
  • Research different artistic styles, such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism.
  • Examine artworks representing each style, paying attention to elements such as color, composition, and subject matter.
  • Engage in discussions or group projects to compare and contrast different styles and explore their historical significance.

Career center

Learners who complete Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Art Therapist
An Art Therapist uses art as a therapeutic tool to help people with mental health issues. They may work with individuals, groups, or families. This course may be useful for Art Therapists because it provides strategies for engaging clients with art and encourages them to become empowered participants in their own treatment.
Art historian
An Art Historian studies the history of art. They may work in a variety of settings, such as museums, universities, or for private collections. This course may be useful for Art Historians because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering students or visitors. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Art Historians evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Art Collector
An Art Collector acquires and manages a collection of art. They may work for themselves or for a museum or other institution. This course may be useful for Art Collectors because it provides strategies for engaging with art and empowering artists. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Art Collectors evaluate the value of their collection.
Web Designer
A Web Designer creates and maintains websites. They work with clients to develop the website's design and functionality. This course may be useful for Web Designers because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering clients. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Web Designers evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Photographer
A Photographer uses a camera to create still images. They may work in a variety of settings, such as portrait studios, event venues, or for publications. This course may be useful for Photographers because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering clients or subjects. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Photographers evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Art Critic
An Art Critic writes about art for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. They may also work as independent critics. This course may be useful for Art Critics because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering readers. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Art Critics evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Animator
An Animator creates animated images for film, television, video games, and other media. They may work in a variety of settings, such as animation studios, production companies, or for themselves. This course may be useful for Animators because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering clients. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Animators evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Curator
A Curator is responsible for the care and management of a museum's collection. They may also develop and implement exhibitions and educational programs. This course may be useful for Curators because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering visitors. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Curators evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Museum Educator
A Museum Educator develops and implements educational programs for museums and galleries. They may give tours, lead workshops, and create educational materials. This course may be useful because it provides strategies for engaging visitors with art, which can help Museum Educators create more effective programs. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Museum Educators evaluate the effectiveness of their programs.
Art Director
An Art Director oversees the visual aspects of a creative project such as a film, television show, or advertising campaign. They work with other creatives to develop the project's visual style and ensure that it is consistent throughout. This course may be useful because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering creative teams. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Art Directors evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Gallery Director
A Gallery Director is responsible for the overall operation of an art gallery. They may oversee the gallery's exhibitions, educational programs, and marketing. This course may be useful for Gallery Directors because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering staff and visitors. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Gallery Directors evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Art Broker
An Art Broker negotiates the sale of art between buyers and sellers. They may work for themselves or for a gallery or other institution. This course may be useful for Art Brokers because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering clients. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Art Brokers evaluate the value of artwork.
Art dealer
An Art Dealer buys and sells art for profit. They may work for themselves or for a gallery or other institution. This course may be useful for Art Dealers because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering clients. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Art Dealers evaluate the value of artwork.
Graphic designer
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They may work in a variety of settings, such as advertising agencies, design studios, or for corporations. This course may be useful for Graphic Designers because it provides strategies for engaging and empowering clients. It also covers assessment strategies, which can help Graphic Designers evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Art teacher
An Art Teacher develops and implements curriculum and teaches courses in art at elementary and secondary schools. They often specialize in a particular subject such as painting, drawing, or ceramics. This course may be useful because it explores how activities that foster students' creativity can encourage them to become empowered participants in their learning. This can help Art Teachers develop engaging and effective lesson plans.

Reading list

We've selected 34 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art.
Explores the cognitive benefits of visual arts education, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. It must-read for anyone interested in the role of art in education.
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding how art activities can foster creativity and critical thinking skills.
Explores the role of visual arts in education. It makes a strong case that, in addition to a focus on the production of art, there is also a need for a focus on perception, criticism, and aesthetics.
Makes a strong case for the importance of visual arts education. It provides a model of art education that is based on the idea that students learn best when they are actively engaged in making and discussing art.
Offers practical strategies for integrating the arts across the curriculum to promote student engagement and learning.
Examines the crisis in education and how the arts can play a role in revitalizing it. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of education.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research on the role of the arts in children's lives. It covers a wide range of topics, including the benefits of arts education, the different ways that children learn through the arts, and the challenges that face arts education today.
Provides a practical guide to conducting arts-based research. It covers all aspects of the research process, from developing a research question to writing up the results.
Offers practical guidance for teachers on how to use art and creativity in the classroom. It covers a wide range of topics, including lesson planning, assessment, and classroom management.
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Explores the concept of flow, a state of complete immersion in an activity. It offers insights into how to create the conditions for flow and how to use it to enhance creativity and performance.
Offers insights into the creative process from the perspective of Pixar Animation Studios. It shares the company's secrets for fostering creativity and innovation.
Offers a practical guide to using the lean startup methodology to develop and launch new products and services. It valuable resource for entrepreneurs and innovators of all kinds.
Offers a practical guide to using the lean startup methodology in large organizations. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to build a culture of innovation and to successfully launch new products and services.
Provides a comprehensive overview of creativity and offers practical strategies for fostering creativity in the classroom.
Provides a critical analysis of the relationship between images and power, exploring how images shape our understanding of the world.
Presents a groundbreaking study that documents the real benefits of visual arts education for students, including improved critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity.
Offers a framework for understanding the creative process. It helps readers to identify their own creative strengths and weaknesses and to develop strategies for improving their creativity.
This handbook comprehensive resource for researchers in the field of arts education. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of arts education research, the different methods used in arts education research, and the current state of the field.
Explores the challenges that established companies face when they try to innovate. It offers insights into how to avoid the innovator's dilemma and to successfully bring new products and services to market.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophy of art education. It covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of art, the role of the artist, and the importance of art education for citizenship.
Provides a framework for understanding and interpreting modern art, which can be useful for educators in facilitating discussions about contemporary artwork.
This companion provides a comprehensive overview of the field of contemporary art education. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of art education, the different theories that inform art education, and the challenges that face art education today.
Provides an introduction to the philosophy, theory, and teaching of the arts in education. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of arts education, the different theories that inform arts education, and the challenges that face arts education today.
Classic guide to unlocking creativity. It offers a series of exercises and prompts to help readers overcome blocks and develop their artistic potential.
Takes a scientific look at creativity. It explores the different brain processes involved in creativity and offers insights into how to foster creativity in oneself and others.
Offers practical advice on how to develop a creative habit. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to be more creative in their work and life.
Valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of museums. This book will be especially useful for readers who want to learn more about museums and their role in society.
Includes a wide range of creative activities across various disciplines that can be adapted for use in the art classroom.
Celebration of creativity. It offers insights into the creative process and how to live a more creative life.

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