Smart Art: Creative Artistic Expression at the Highest Level of Thinking to Represent any Academics Idea

Abstract

Teaching across the USA and then training teachers I found a serious lack of creative expression. Art is respected in most schools but not considered an academic tool. I wanted to find a academic reason to use art in school. For 15 years I tried a variety of ideas and finally I combined 3 theories: Blooms Taxonomy (Univ. of Chicago), Gardners Multiple Intelligences (Harvard University) and Learning Styles (Univ. of Arizona). It worked and better yet, students and teachers loved it. Smart Art had two surprising extra benefits: Joy and it built stronger classroom communities. At the beginning of the year we narrow down their individual artistic talents. The fact that the curriculum does not change is the best adaptation for application in new settings, classrooms or communities. It can literally be used with any subject. My mistakes lead me to boundaries and guidelines. Now it is smooth to use and a book will be completed soon. My goal is to rekindle creativity and joy as everyday elements in schools.

Presenters

Sara Lee Worley
Creator and Founder, Team Leader, Smart Art, Texas, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Creative Practice Showcase

Theme

Pedagogies of the Arts

KEYWORDS

Creative, Highest-Thinking, Academic, Artistic