General
I think art is a human trait, not just for a few, and that anyone who cares to can cultivate their artistic understanding and practice. I don’t dispute that some people can go further with their art than others, but that doesn't take away from the human development art can provide for those who develop their inherent artistic abilities.
In higher education there are course objectives and standards that we have to meet, but I find that within that there is a whole world of options to meet each student where they are, and help them grow from there. Teaching is actually a partnership, no learning takes place without the student’s participation. I am constantly learning myself, and to improve that partnership which is teaching and learning.
In higher education there are course objectives and standards that we have to meet, but I find that within that there is a whole world of options to meet each student where they are, and help them grow from there. Teaching is actually a partnership, no learning takes place without the student’s participation. I am constantly learning myself, and to improve that partnership which is teaching and learning.
Hands on
In a world of digital distraction and disconnection, physical art-the kind you make with paint, or clay or charcoal in your hands, not on a computer screen-has a new role to play. Making art is good for your health.* Personally, I believe that while any form of creative expression is helpful, ones that engage our bodies as well as our minds provide the greatest benefit.
*Stuckey HL, Nobel J. The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature. Am J Public Health. 2010 Feb;100(2):254-63. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497. Epub 2009 Dec 17. PMID: 20019311; PMCID: PMC2804629.
*Stuckey HL, Nobel J. The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature. Am J Public Health. 2010 Feb;100(2):254-63. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497. Epub 2009 Dec 17. PMID: 20019311; PMCID: PMC2804629.
Place-based Learning
Going beyond the haptic (hands on) is place based learning. In Fall of 2022 I implemented place based learning modules in all 3 of my Northampton Community College (NCC) Classes at the NCC East 40. In Spring of 2023 I will additionally teach Community Education classes entirely at the East 40.
Community Education
I believe every college or university should engage with the larger community around them. Community education allows tremendous flexibility, I can teach on a focused topic that might takes years to get worked into a for-credit curriculum. But mostly, I enjoy the synergy of working with the local community at-large. Just as in the for-credit classes, community education is a two-way partnership.