Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving in Art
Artistic achievement requires many different kinds of thinking. Students learn to attend to details, as well as to "the big picture". They learn to unify diverse elements into cohesive works of art. They become adept at applying tools of critical thinking, and they learn to confidently approach and solve problems in numerous ways. The following list of teaching strategies is included to assist in the process of building students' skills of critical thinking and problem solving in art.
- Emphasize that problem solving in art, as in many other areas of life, is a process of developing individual solutions to complex problems. With this in mind, teach students to make choices within the structure of the Art TEKS.
- As students learn the basics of art, stretch their thinking by initiating serious discussions about what makes one art medium distinct from another. What are its strengths? Ask "why," "how," and "what if" questions when discussing characteristics of a medium or of specific works of art.
- Discuss with students the purposes of different types of questions, e.g., application, synthesis or opinion questions. Talk about the power of each type of question to get students thinking about the processes of critical and creative thinking and problem solving in art.
- Guide students in their acquisition of skills practiced in the art classroom by asking individuals or small groups of students to define problems and suggest solutions. Use student-generated problems/questions in class activities.
- Use sketching to help students generate or clarify their thoughts before class activities.
- Compare opposing critiques of a work of art and ask probing questions about the sources of any difference of opinion.
- Encourage abstract, non-linear thinking and approaches to problem solving to enable students to make connections among things or concepts seemingly unrelated.
- Emphasize the value of self-reflection in the process of artistic growth. Provide numerous opportunities for students to consider the impact of their creative choices. Help them learn to examine and constructively evaluate student and professional work in art.
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Creativity in the Art Classroom
Texas public schools have the potential to create art environments that foster imagination and creative expression as students acquire the content of the Art TEKS. Art teachers who actively explore and develop their own ideas of what it means to be creative can, in turn, model their beliefs and practices for their students. The following teaching strategies and suggestions are intended to help students develop their emergent creativity:
The fine arts classroom
- Design art environments with natural light, harmonious colors, and comfortable work areas.
- Create climates that encourage risk-taking and expressive freedom within the structure of the Art TEKS.
- Incorporate a variety of instructional materials into projects. Try to use inexpensive, found, or recycled materials for projects such as making collages.
Creative teaching and learning
- Provide concrete sources of inspiration.
- Include students in class decision-making, giving them opportunities to form and express their own ideas.
- Allow time for students to explore, research, and complete projects. Encourage them to revisit earlier projects and revise original ideas.
- Promote long-term, open-ended projects that utilize collaborative modes of work and study. Encourage students to share and understand each other's perspectives.
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