Response to Jen's "Art as a Teaching Tool."

Response #10

In her blog, Jenna Haley talks about how art is a great teaching tool and should be taught to explain historical events but the teacher must stress the fact that the artwork may not be literal or exact, it is just a representation or an interpretation of real life events. She asks, "Do you think teachers should incorporate art in their lessons, whether they use paintings, music, or other forms of medium?"

I think using different works of art to teach a subject is very important. Not only does art supply a visual for the students, it helps the students realize the information in a text book is more important and relevant to the world than it may seem. Using art in a classroom also promotes creativity which is highly crucial in the lives of every individual. Using art would be very stimulating and would lead to many activities the teacher could have in the classroom. It provides variety and encourages students to respect and appreciate art at a young age. Art really is all around us and there is no reason not to apply it to the classroom.

Having students create their own art helps them be more motivated and puts the emphasis off of just learning about the information of the subject and puts it onto the students' abilities to express their thoughts and ideas to the teacher and their fellow classmates. This would also help the types of students that are fearful of failing or making mistakes. It would also help the teacher understand his or her students more deeply. I do not see any reason not to use art in schools and everyday. There are so many mediums to choose from as well; the sky is the limit when it comes to art. In books like Fahrenheit 451 and 1984, art is banned from society. Reading is banned from society. Learning is of unimportance and self expression is discouraged...

My question to you is: What would happen to our society if art and self expression were banned? How can a society exist without art?

Pablo Picasso's "Guernica." (War)