Art and the Brain
How Art Has a Positive Impact on Learning By Lesley Taylor Interdisciplinary Connections: 1. Predominately arts centered schools have scored 20 points above other districts in 5 of 6 academic areas. 2. Of all the effects on cognition, visual arts seem to be the strongest when used as a tool for academic learning. Studies report strong links between visual learning and improvement in reading and creativity. 3. Visual arts improve reading and math scores. Recently, 96 pupils in eight 1st grade classrooms participated in a study. Four classes were arts enriched and four were controls with a standard arts curriculum but no special enrichment. After seven months, both the math and reading scores of the arts enriched classes were significantly higher than the control group. They scored an average of 77% at grade level as compared to 55% at grade level for the control group. The reading scores of the enriched classes, which averaged below the control groups at the beginning, caught up. 4. Research suggests that visual imagery leads to increased understanding of mathematical concepts at both the primary and secondary levels. 5. In Aiken, South Carolina, Redcliffe Elementary test scores were among the lowest 25% in the district. After a strong arts curriculum was added, the school soared to the top 5% in 6 years (enough time for the students to progress from 1st through 6th grade). Concluded: a strong arts curriculum is at the creative core of academic excellence. 6. Three countries near the top rankings of math and science scores (Japan, Hungary, and the Netherlands) all have intensive music and art training built into their elementary curriculums. 7. Early educational research showed thinking in art was followed by improved thinking in other disciplines. Career Skills: 1. The arts positively affect school issues like attendance, school climate, and ultimately the number of dropouts. 2. Arts stimulate body awareness, creativity and sense of self. 3. Teaching art has also been linked to better visual thinking, problem solving, language and creativity. 4. Drawing engages visual perception, enhances eye-hand coordination and creative expression. 5. Fine arts programs are known for fostering commitment to task and social skill development. In addition, many students who participate in visual arts programs report gains in self-discipline, work ethic and teamwork. 6. What do employers say they want? “We want thinkers, people with skills, problem solvers, creativity and teamwork.” 7. A George W. Bush presidential study has determined that for every classroom of 30 students, 10 will be employed in art related careers as adults. Problem solving: 1. Evidence is overwhelming that enriched environments do grow a better brain. Early developing brain grows fastest and is the most ready for change. The opportunity must be seized. 2. Two critical ingredients in enrichment are challenge (problem solving, critical thinking) and feedback (specific, timely, learner controlled). The arts (and movement) are often excellent for challenge and feedback (relevant projects and complex activities). 3. Teaching art has also been linked to better visual thinking, problem solving, language and creativity. Diversity: 1. One of the most powerful benefits of an arts curriculum is the development and sharing of cross-cultural heritage. 2. A natural fit for art is where the world’s cultures and history are embedded and purposefully archived within their artistic imagery. Special Needs: 1. In a recent study, drawing figures helped improve thinking skills and verbal skills in children with learning disabilities. Cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills: 1. Use of art is not just to draw but also to teach thinking and build emotive expressiveness and memory – brain rewires itself to make more and stronger connections. 2. A child without access to arts is being systematically cut out from most of the ways in which he can experience the world. 3. Making art is a highly cognitive process that involves problem solving, critical thinking and creative thinking. When art is integrated into the curriculum, the competency scores in other subjects have increased. 4. Over and over again the educational experts cite art as a highly cognitive process. 5. Student can gain dendrites (to help with learning) in 6 ways: genetics, love, exercise, nutrition, feedback, and art. 6. Math problems only use a small portion of the brain. Art uses the entire brain. Communication: 1. Fine arts programs are known for fostering commitment to task and social skill development. In addition, many students who participate in visual arts programs report gains in self-discipline, work ethic and teamwork. 2. The arts are commonly used in times of critical crisis as a means of communication and therapy. Resources "Art: Today's Brain Food." Michigan Art Education Association Conference, Oct. 2008, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI. Cesarone, Bernard. "Benefits of Art and Music Education." Childhood Education Fall (1999). Jensen, Eric. Arts with the Brain in Mind. Alexandria: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, 2001. Jensen, Eric. Teaching with the Brain in Mind. New York: Atlantic Books, Limited, 1998. |