MA 201: FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Arts
 as defined in oxford dictionary – the expression or application of human creative skill
and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing
works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
 Major constituents of the arts include literature (including poetry, prose and drama),
performing arts (music, dance, and theatre), and visual arts (drawing, painting,
photography, ceramics, sculpting, and architecture).
 Some art forms combine a visual element with performance (e.g. cinematography) or
artwork with the written word (e.g. comics).

ARTS IN EDUCATION?
 It is used to destroy the monotony of a regular school day, put a dent in the
relentlessness of arithmetic and reading.
 Art should be seen as means of therapy, never something made to cause unrelenting
stress and difficulty.
 Arts-related activities are important for so much more than just keeping your child
busy or relaxed - encompasses all the developmental domains in child development.

DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS OF ART

MOTOR SKILLS : Art lends itself to physical development and the enhancement of fine
and gross motor skills.
• According to the National Institutes of Health, developmental milestones
around age three should include drawing a circle and beginning to use safety
scissors.
DECISION MAKING: Art education strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking
skills.
• The experience of making decisions and choices in the course of creating art
carries over into other parts of life.
INVENTIVENESS/CREATIVITY: Arts allow kids to express themselves better than math
or science.
• Developing a sense of innovation that will be important in their adult lives.
IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: The arts don’t just develop a child’s
creativity - also enhances children’s cognitive development
 Studies show that there is a correlation between art and other achievement.
 • A report by Americans for the Arts states that young people who
participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized
for academic achievement.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
 Children learn about themselves and others through art activities.
 It’s an opportunity for children to make a personal statement about their
uniqueness through art while allowing them to express happiness, joy, and pride.

EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS
1. Art should be included in the curriculum of the elementary, secondary, and tertiary
level.
2. In order to give outlets for different individual talents, the school should offer varied
extra-curricular activities such as Glee Club, Dramatics, Dance Troupe, Rondalla, etc.
3. Field trips to museums, libraries, etc. should be sponsored by the school.
4. Participation in singing contests, declamation and oratorical contests and other
contests should be encouraged by the school.