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Art & Inquiry

Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom

Lisa Mazzola, Larissa Raphael, and Francis Estrada

Explore how to integrate works of art into your classroom with inquiry-based teaching methods used by museum educators.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Inquiry | Why Engage in Inquiry Around Art?
Welcome to Art and Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom. This course will introduce ways to integrate works of art into your classroom by using inquiry-based teaching methods commonly used in museum settings. This course is designed to give you the tools to create meaningful object-based learning activities that can be integrated into a wide variety of curricula. The strategies this course covers emphasize literacy and critical thinking skills across disciplines.
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Module 2: Close Looking and Open-Ended Inquiry
In this module you will explore different ways to facilitate close looking with your students by engaging in open-ended, inquiry-based conversation around works of art.
Module 3: Art, Inquiry, and Social Emotional Learning
In this module, we will explore how art and Social Emotional Learning can deepen students’ attention, self-awareness, as well as their awareness of others.
Module 4: Activities as Inquiry
This module focuses on activities as a mode of inquiry. In this module you’ll explore how to use three kinds of activities in your classroom to effectively promote an exchange of ideas with students.
Module 5: Putting it all Together | Making Connections Across Curriculum
In this module you will consider ways to incorporate inquiry about a work of art into your classroom and make connections to different subject areas including Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Science.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces methods from museum educators to engage students with art
Focuses on developing literacy and critical thinking skills
Provides activities and resources for integrating art into curricula
Emphasizes social emotional learning to enhance students' self-awareness
Instructors are experienced museum educators
May be useful for educators seeking new approaches to art integration

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Reviews summary

Engaging art & inquiry: skills for teaching

Learners say that this engaging course is largely positive. It has helpful readings, interesting content, and provides practical strategies for teaching art. The course is well organized and includes a variety of useful resources that can be applied in the classroom. As a result, many students found the course to be insightful and inspiring and believe it will improve their teaching skills.
The course is well organized and easy to follow.
"This course was well organized with a variety of source material."
"This course has taught me new ways in which to engage with artwork and how to get a classroom to a classroom to engage with a piece of artwork!"
"I am re-entering Art education and I found course to be a great resource."
Helpful readings, including free resources from the museum website.
"Thought the readings were well chosen and very informative."
"It was really interesting to read/review other course participant's final projects."
"This is a great course for anyone wanting to learn how to teach with art in any subject."
Provides practical strategies for teaching art through inquiry.
"I learned a lot about inquiry based teaching, found it insightful and useful."
"The contents of the course were very interesting, helpful and time-wise absolutely manageable!"
"Great practical strategies for teaching"
Course is engaging and provides practical strategies for teaching art.
"Loved the practical things that will help me in my professional life."
"very engaging and inspiring course with lots of insights and practical tips"
"I was able to take away a lot of interesting things for my teaching."
Provides a variety of resources, including videos, readings, and forums.
"This class was very well put together. I loved the course readings, and the videos were very helpful in demonstrating the lessons."
"The course guided us to a new step by step system to improve my art classess, arrange external activities and develop new cooperation bonds with museum institutions."
"Me ha gustado la participación directa de profesionales de la educación y los museos, así como las diferentes modalidades de actividades planteadas (foros, cuestionarios, vídeos, lecturas y un largo etcétera)."

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 & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom with these activities:
Read 'Using Art to Educate' by Donna Keyes
Review essential concepts from the recommended book to prepare foundation for integrating art-based learning into your classroom.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on art integration and inquiry-based learning.
  • Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
Read 'The Art of Teaching with Picture Books' by Mary Ann Kohl
Explore the use of picture books as a tool for teaching across the curriculum, providing strategies and examples for engaging students in inquiry and critical thinking.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters that focus on using picture books to promote inquiry and critical thinking.
  • Identify strategies and activities that you can implement in your own teaching.
Take a Course on Museum Education
Enroll in an online course or workshop on museum education to gain specialized knowledge and best practices in integrating art into educational settings.
Browse courses on Museum Education
Show steps
  • Research different online courses or workshops on museum education.
  • Enroll in a course that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
  • Actively participate in the course and complete all assignments.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join an Online Community of Art Educators
Connect with other art educators online to share ideas, resources, and best practices, fostering collaboration and professional growth in the field of art education.
Show steps
  • Search for online communities or forums dedicated to art education.
  • Join the community and introduce yourself.
  • Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your own experiences.
Close Looking and Inquiry Practice
Practice facilitating close looking and engaging students in open-ended inquiry around artworks to enhance their observation and critical thinking skills.
Show steps
  • Collect a variety of images or artwork.
  • Practice asking open-ended questions that encourage students to observe and discuss the artwork.
  • Record your observations and questions.
Create a Collection of Inquiry-Based Resources
Gather and organize a collection of high-quality resources, including lesson plans, websites, and articles, that support inquiry-based learning and the integration of art in education.
Browse courses on Art Education
Show steps
  • Conduct research to identify relevant resources.
  • Evaluate resources for quality and alignment with inquiry-based principles.
  • Organize the resources into a user-friendly format (e.g., Google Drive folder, website).
Inquiry-Based Lesson Plan
Create an inquiry-based lesson plan that incorporates an artwork and aligns with your curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning.
Browse courses on Lesson Planning
Show steps
  • Select an artwork that is relevant to your curriculum.
  • Develop open-ended questions and activities that encourage inquiry.
  • Plan for assessment strategies that evaluate students' critical thinking and understanding.
Create a Student Workbook for Inquiry-Based Learning
Design and develop a student workbook that guides students through the process of inquiry-based learning around art, providing them with structured activities and resources.
Browse courses on Inquiry-Based Learning
Show steps
  • Determine the specific learning objectives for the workbook.
  • Create activities and exercises that promote close looking, open-ended inquiry, and critical thinking.
  • Include sections for student reflection and documentation of their learning.

Career center

Learners who complete Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Museum Educator
Museum Educators are responsible for teaching visitors about the museum's collection. They may lead tours, give lectures, or develop educational programs. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom can be very helpful for this role by providing tools to create meaningful object-based learning activities that can be integrated into a wide variety of curricula. The course also covers how to facilitate close looking with students by engaging in open-ended, inquiry-based conversation around works of art.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator
Art teacher
Art Teachers help students develop their artistic skills and knowledge. They may teach a variety of art forms, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom can be useful for this role by providing methods for integrating works of art into the classroom and making connections to different subject areas, including Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Science.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher
Curator
Curators are responsible for managing and preserving museum collections. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing a deeper understanding of how to engage visitors with museum collections.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curator
Librarian
Librarians help people find and use information. They may work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing strategies for teaching and learning that can be used in a library setting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for preserving and managing historical records. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing an understanding of how to engage visitors with historical artifacts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist
Historian
Historians study the past and write about it. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing an understanding of how to engage visitors with historical artifacts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing an understanding of how to engage visitors with cultural artifacts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study the past by excavating and analyzing artifacts. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing an understanding of how to engage visitors with archaeological artifacts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist
Museum Director
Museum Directors are responsible for managing all aspects of a museum's operations, including its educational programs, exhibitions, and collections. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing tools and strategies for creating engaging and meaningful museum experiences.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Director
Art Critic
Art Critics write about art and offer their opinions on its quality and value. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing a deeper understanding of how to analyze and interpret works of art.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Critic
Art dealer
Art Dealers buy and sell works of art. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing a deeper understanding of how to evaluate and price works of art.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art dealer
Art Collector
Art Collectors buy and own works of art. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing a deeper understanding of how to evaluate and appreciate works of art.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Collector
Art historian
Art Historians study the history of art and write about it. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing a deeper understanding of how to analyze and interpret works of art.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing a deeper understanding of how to create visually appealing designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer
Photographer
Photographers create and capture images using a camera. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom may be helpful for this role by providing a deeper understanding of how to compose and capture visually appealing images.
See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom:
Culture & The Humanities
23 minute read
Bringing the Museum to You: Online Learning from World-Class Institutions
16 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 16 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 & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom.
A Global Pursuit
Save
Commonly used as a textbook for courses on museum education and teaching with works of art, this book covers a range of strategies and best practices for teaching about art and using works of art. It is helpful both as a foundational tool and as a more advanced reference as this book provides a broad survey of the field.
Art: A Global Pursuit : Art and the Human Experience
Hardcover
$$
Art - A Global Pursuit
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
The New Antiquarians
Save
A collection of essays that explore the role of objects in different cultures and historical periods, this book would be a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the significance of objects in museum collections.
The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Awake in the Dream World
Save
A comprehensive overview of the role of art museums in education, this book would be a useful resource for those seeking to understand the different ways in which museums can be used to teach and engage with learners.
Awake in the Dream World: The Art of Audrey...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
The Reflective Practitioner
Save
A classic work on reflective practice, this book would be a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the importance of critical reflection in teaching and learning in the museum context.
The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals...
Paperback
$$
The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Gardner's Art Through the Ages
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of art history from prehistoric times to the present day. It includes a wide range of art forms and cultures, offering a global perspective.
Gardner's Art Through the Ages
Paperback
Check
Gardner's Art Through the Ages
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Commonsense Methods for Children with Special Needs...
Save
An examination of the power of questioning in the classroom and how it can be used to foster critical thinking, this book would be a useful resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of inquiry-based learning.
Commonsense Methods for Children with Special Needs...
Paperback
Check
Commonsense Methods for Children with Special Needs...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Teaching Thinking
Save
A practical guide to using dialogue to improve student learning, this book would be a valuable resource for those seeking to promote inquiry-based learning and student engagement in the museum teaching context.
Teaching Thinking
Paperback
Check
Teaching Thinking
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Art of Asking Essential Questions
Save
Provides a framework for asking essential questions that promote critical thinking and inquiry, which would be valuable for museum educators seeking to facilitate deeper engagement with works of art.
The Art of Asking Essential Questions
Paperback
Check
The Art of Asking Essential Questions
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Ten Assessment Literacy Goals for School Leaders
Save
A practical guide to collaborative learning in the classroom, this book would be a useful resource for those seeking to promote inquiry-based learning and student engagement in the museum teaching context.
Ten Assessment Literacy Goals for School Leaders
Kindle Edition
$$
Entertainers Who Changed the Arts
Save
Offers specific strategies educators can use to facilitate close looking at art. It provides insightful questions educators can ask students about artwork to promote close looking and discussion.
Fearless Firsts: Artists Who Changed Entertainment:...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
French Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction
Save
Although not specifically about museum teaching, this critical introduction to art education can provide a useful background for more specialized courses on the subject.
French Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (Very...
Paperback
$$
French Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (Very...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
New Testament Rhetoric, Second Edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of art education, covering its history, theories, and practical applications, with a focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking.
New Testament Rhetoric, Second Edition: An...
Paperback
$$
New Testament Rhetoric, Second Edition: An...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Art Nouveau
Save
Serves as a resource for educators seeking to understand the role of art museums. It provides insights into museum collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Art Nouveau: A Research Guide for Design Reform in...
Paperback
$$$
Art Nouveau: A Research Guide for Design Reform in...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Caring for Your Art
Save
Provides practical guidance for museum educators, covering techniques for facilitating discussions, engaging visitors, and creating meaningful learning experiences.
Caring for Your Art: A Guide for Collectors...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Exhibiting Cultures
Save
This collection of essays critically examines the politics and poetics of museum display, exploring how cultural artifacts are presented and interpreted.
Exhibiting Cultures: The Poetics and Politics of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Artful Parent
Save
Emphasizes the significance of art and imaginative play for children's learning. It provides creative tips for parents and educators and suggests different art activities to foster creativity.
The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your...
Paperback
$$
The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your...
Paperback
$$
The Artful Parent: Simple Ways to Fill Your...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
4 weeks, x 2 hours of study per week, plus 2 hours for final project = 10 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
The Museum of Modern Art
Instructors
Lisa Mazzola
Larissa Raphael
Francis Estrada
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes
  2. Art & Activity: Interactive Strategies for Engaging with Art
  3. Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom (viewing)
Good to know
Introduces methods from museum educators to engage students with art
Focuses on developing literacy and critical thinking skills
Provides activities and resources for integrating art into curricula
Emphasizes social emotional learning to enhance students' self-awareness
Instructors are experienced museum educators
May be useful for educators seeking new approaches to art integration
Featured in The Course Notes
Read two articles that feature this course, Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom from our blog, The Course Notes:
Culture & The Humanities
23 minute read
Bringing the Museum to You: Online Learning from World-Class Institutions
16 minute read
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