Teaching art in schools is a complex and interesting job, requiring a knowledgeable and experienced teacher to bring across the knowledge and skills of the subject to students in a way that engages them and encourages them to use their own creativity. With the right education and experience, an art teacher can not only educate students about the essentials of art, but also help build and foster a deep appreciation and understanding of art, in both its traditional and modern forms. In this guide, we’ll cover the important aspects of art education and what an art teacher should aim to teach their students.
What Is Art?
Art is an exceptionally broad concept, and the definition of what can be termed as art varies greatly between different cultures and eras. In truth, there is no single definition of art, as it often varies based on context and the interpretation of the artist.
Generally however, art can be broken down into five distinct categories, namely visual, music, dance, theatre and literature. Each of these categories can also be divided into several subcategories, such as painting and photography for the visual arts, or poetry and non-fiction for literature. In the modern world, there are often numerous overlapping and interrelated elements between all five categories, making the line between them increasingly blurred.
As an art teacher, understanding and being able to accurately explain the concept of art to students is of paramount importance. However, even if you can’t provide a single, definitive answer to the question of what art is, simply discussing the various considerations in a classroom environment can be a great way to engage students and get them to start critically thinking about art.
Art History and Theory
Having an understanding of art history, theory and criticism is essential when teaching art. Knowing how and why art originates, changes and evolves is necessary to be able to properly assess artworks and foster meaningful discussion. Art history can provide students with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the art they are learning, and how it relates to the world beyond the classroom.
Students should also be taught how art theory and criticism fits into the larger context of art, and how it has shaped the way art is perceived and evaluated throughout time. As a teacher, it’s important to help students make the connection between art criticism and the artwork itself, and to help them see how criticism can make an artwork more meaningful and increase its impact.
Art theory and criticism can also help develop essential skills such as critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving and communication, which can be invaluable assets in any field.
Technique, Skill and Inventiveness
Equipping students with the necessary technical skills and know-how is a vital component of art education. Learning proper technique, particularly when it comes to drawing, is important in teaching students how to produce accurate representations of things through observational drawing.
Techniques and skills can even be applied to abstract artworks, as understanding composition, balance, perspective and color theory is key in producing an effective piece. Inventiveness is just as important as technical skill when it comes to art, as it’s what sets art apart from more straightforward forms of expression such as writing. Helping students draw inspiration from their surroundings and allowing them to apply techniques they learn to make interesting and unique works of art is a great way to nurture their creative abilities.
Encouraging Exploration and Diversity
Instilling a sense of exploration and a desire for diversity in students should also be a priority for art teachers. Art exploration can help students push themselves out of their comfort zone and gain experience in unfamiliar fields, broadening their horizons and giving them the confidence to tackle any kind of art work. Introducing students to different mediums and exploring various art forms from different cultures and times can also be a valuable experience.
Exploring works of art from the Renaissance, the Impressionist movement, contemporary photography, pop art and even outsider art can be a great way to give students an appreciation of the diversity of art.
Identifying Artistic Influences
While exploring different forms of art, it is important to teach students how to identify influences within the works they are studying. Identifying different sources that shaped a particular artwork or style can often evoke more meaningful discussions and greater insight into the artist’s motivations, requiring students to go beyond simply identifying the visual elements to gain a deeper understanding of the work.
This process can often be aided by teaching students about the socio-economic, political and religious context of the time period or region in which the work was produced, in order to gain a better grasp of any external influences that may have shaped the work.
Developing Appreciation and Understanding of Art
Teaching students to develop an appreciation and understanding of art is a major focus in art education. Art can often be seen as an abstract or challenging concept, particularly for younger students, and it’s essential to teach them the importance of art in our society, both in terms of its history and its current form.
Exploring the range of works available to today’s art audience, finding out what students enjoy, creating projects that students find satisfying, and leading visits to local art galleries and exhibitions are all great ways to promote and foster this appreciation.
Communication and Interaction
Communication and interaction is also an important part of art education. Teaching students how to communicate and collaborate via discussion, as well as learning when to hold back and let others have their say, is an essential life skill.
Furthermore, effective communication can also be important for expressing ideas and feedback, as well giving clear instructions when teaching art, in order to get the best out of the students.
Promoting Self-Expression and Creativity
At the end of the day, cultivating creativity and encouraging self-expression should be the main goal when teaching art. Promoting the activities of self-exploration, experimenting and improvisation as part of thelearning experience can be hugely rewarding to both the teacher and the student. Exploring patterns and shapes, as well as experimenting with new tools and materials, can help create fascinating, unexpected and visually satisfying artworks.
Allowing students to express themselves freely in the art classroom and providing the appropriate guidance and feedback is essential for developing the creative thinking skills required for success in any field.
Conclusion
Teaching art in the classroom can be an immensely rewarding experience, both for the teacher and the student. Being able to effectively impart knowledge about art, both in terms of its history and practice, and to foster an appreciation and understanding of the subject, is a skill that requires passion and experience.
This guide has outlined some of the important aspects of teaching art in schools and what an art teacher should aim to teach their students, such as art history and theory, developing technique, skills and inventiveness, exploring and appreciating diversity, identifying artistic influences, and promoting self-express and creativity. With the right dedication and teaching approach, art teachers can help open the door to creativity and art appreciation in students of all ages.