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Quote Viewed in Core Text - Delivering Authentic Arts Education

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DELIVERING AUTHENTIC ARTS EDUCATION

While reading the introduction chapter to the core text, Delivery Authentic Arts in Education, I discovered the true depth of the importance of art in Australia curriculum. Although I have participated in all sorts of art forms myself, such as dance, music and photography I have never really considered the significance of the history of art and why educational art is structured in the manner it is today. I've always enjoyed art and sharing my passion for it with my siblings and primary students I tutor, but during this reading I was exposed to the depth of both intrinsic and instrumental benefits to developing minds. The above quote stood out to me as I believe it sums up the true importance of art. The children I may teach will eventually grow up to influence a generation of their own. It is important they engage in and enjoy art and therefore understand the value of it.

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INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA/DRAMA ELEMENTS

I went into my first seminar very nervous. I am confident in my ability to learn but not in my ability to perform in front of others. My tutor was very confident in her presentation of the activities we participated in and that encouraged me to engage in the lesson. We stepped through some drama introduction games to welcome each other to the group. This transitioned into the rest of the lesson by opening up the classroom to group discussion, easing previous tension and nerves. We then participated in 'freezeframe' activities whereby groups of students had to present a scenario using our bodies. This pushed us all to communicate in a team environment and then by presenting our work to the other students, opened discussion on our implementation of drama conventions such as, mood, symbol, focus and space.

The class clearly demonstrated the effect of a positive, supportive learning environment on learners. The up-beat energy presented by the tutor fostered engagement from her students. In future drama lessons I might teach I will take this positivity and open-mindedness. Drama is about allowing students to express their creativity and create positive relationships with their peers. This can lead on to improvement in the students communication skills, leadership and overall participation in classroom activities.

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DRAMA - VOICE AND STORYTELLING

In this weeks module we focused on improvisation and the experience of storytelling through dramatic practices. In our seminar, after being split into small groups, we practiced examples of 'readers theatre'. Readers theatre has been one of my personal favourite activities I have participated in so far this semester. The structure of readers theatre allows students the opportunity to present dramatic readings of narrative material without the need for costuming, props, scenery, etc.

In Primary Classrooms I have worked in previously, I have observed the implementation of readers theatre. In every class I have seen try readers theatre, all students are very excited to have the chance to participate and therefore engage with the lesson to a high standard. Through this weeks seminar, I have come to realise that, the benefits of readers theatre are not just focused on the engagement of the children but apply to wider development, such as improvements in reading ability, reading comprehension, and students overall attitude towards reading.

In future classrooms I may work in, I could utilise readers theatre in literacy rotations to increase engagement, and foster positivity surrounding reading skills. Instead of using traditional, boring techniques, such as round-robin reading, students participating in readers theatre will be able to engage with the characters and the storyline on a deeper level.

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Dance Students and I at a competition late last year (2021). 

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DANCE IMPROVISATION

I have participated in Dance for the past 14 years. In recent years I have become a dance teacher to young females, aged 2-16. Through my personal experience of dance, I have seen the incredible benefits dance can have to children's development.

This seminar solidified my personal opinion that dance is a great space for students to express their feelings without fear of judgement. It is a fun-loving way to get involved with peers and have a good laugh. Through the two weeks of dance seminars, I have observed my peers become more connected with one another. Through collaboration and problem solving, regarding, choreography, timing and music interpretation, we have developed trust with one another.

In my personal experience of Primary aged students being involved in dance, I have found that those students who lack confidence, through dance, build a sense of pride and belief in themselves. By the end of a dance season, parents will come and explain to me that their child has begun to socialise more with their peers and have built significant confidence in their ability to perform in front of others, whether that in dance, or just general communication skills in their daily life (e.g. public speaking, collaboration with others, etc).

I think the most significant benefit to dance education is the development of confidence. This can translate to all other education areas, because if a child feels confident enough to try, they are obviously going to be more engaged within the classroom. Dance demonstrates risk taking and problem solving skills essential for any modern day learner.

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LEARNING THROUGH DANCE

During the dance section of our Art unit, I have developed a deeper understanding of dance conventions (body, energy, space and time), and how to utilise them within a primary school classroom.

By exploring body, energy, space and time, students can become more in touch with their own body and their own and others' interpretation of the world around them.

Through text readings I have discovered that activities encouraging students to create or complete simple dance steps develops gross motor skills that can translate to other areas of the child's educational development.

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Stop Motion Video - Made by Year 4 Student (used with permission)

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MEDIA ARTS FORMS

Media Arts is one of my personal favourite ways to implement Art into a Primary Classroom. Through my personal experience of school, and observations at my practicum classroom this year, it has become clear to me that technology is becoming a major influence to children's development. With 21st Century Technology and extreme advancements within the media world, Media Arts is increasing significantly in importance.

One of my favourite Media Arts activities I have observed so far this year is the use of a iPad resource called Stop Motion. Students were tasked with using lego and craft materials to build a scene of a specific section of the Bible. They created a stop motion of the scene, editing in a voiceover to detail the storyline. The students were more engaged with Religion class than I had ever seen them.

Media Arts integration into everyday classes boosts engagement and retention of content. Students respond well because they are being creatively challenge and not just being forced to take in and spit out whatever content the teacher wants them to learn. Students get to create their own interpretation of the content, which is an essential element of modern learning.

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CONSIDERING PRIMARY AUDIENCE

While practising for our final performance I have been thinking about how much impact similar activities could have on the development of students. Through the process of completing this assignment I have seen a change in the way I collaborate with my peers, and communicate thoughts and ideas. I feel I have learnt how to work in a creative environment and develop ideas as a group, to achieve a specific goal.

During this weeks lecture I found myself considering what specific characteristics a class must demonstrate to effectively perform and activity such as this, but I think I realised that it is all about attitude. If the students show an interest in performing or creating I think any aged student would be able to participate and show development through the Arts.

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Upon final reflection, I have realised that this Art unit has taught me just how important the Arts is within a primary classroom, and how beneficial its implementation can be to student development.

Art activities such as reader theatre, or dance routine creation or media arts digital posters, all demonstrate the implementation of skills that students can use in many different areas of their lives. Group work encourages students to work collaboratively with others, demonstrating respect, kindness and thought for others perspectives and opinions.

Art can be created by any student who has the ability to give it a try. It engages and motivates students to participate within the classroom, and for some will open opportunities that will lead to lifelong careers in the artistic field.