This article will discuss why  art matters in education and what art in education is.

If you are a teacher, art teacher, or someone who takes an interest in art and are looking for ways to incorporate art in the curriculum of your school, you may be interested in this article.

You may have heard that we are in the midst of a crisis in America’s education system.

Just look at the latest report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which revealed that about 75% of 12th graders in America are not ready for college-level work, which is a 15% drop since 2011.

In addition, 58% of American high school students do not know the names of any president and about 35% of our graduates go directly into college, which is a 6% increase since 2008. While the news about education in America is bleak, that is not the full story.

There are plenty of bright spots, including innovations in both the teaching and learning of art.

Can art be included in education?

Art is defined as “that part of a work of art intended for viewing by human beings.” Many teachers in many different contexts use art in the curriculum of their students.

While there are many sources that discuss how art may be used in education, the following article will focus on art in education.

What is art?

Art is a word that has become overly simplified in the past few decades. Art is so much more than a piece of sculpture or painting. In fact, art should not even be taken as a form of expression.

As an art teacher, I have learned this to be quite true over the years. The purpose of art is to serve a purpose. The purpose of art is to have a positive impact on the culture around it.

I may create a picture or two for a class, but they are just a means to an end. I have learned over the years to view my art students as the hero of their own stories.

The purpose of each student’s artwork is not to show off what they have created, but to show off what they have learned. Art can be a form of expression for students, but it is also a way for students to communicate and connect with their fellow students and/or their community.

Art in education

Here are a few ways art in education can have an impact on student learning:

Creating meaning for students

Research shows that many students who were in art classes demonstrate increased creativity, confidence, and communication skills. These skills are incredibly important to the success of every student.

However, sometimes students may be more interested in making a specific message rather than creating something meaningful.

Students may feel pressured to create something that is of a particular academic nature (such as an essay), but may feel an outlet for expressing their opinions and feelings is better.

Teaching students to think creatively

Art in education is not just about creating an artistic form or piece of art. It is an activity in which students are encouraged to solve problems and think creatively.

Art in education can be thought of as problem-based learning in which students are asked to have the creative freedom to explore and develop the potential of their creativity in new ways.

Encouraging social and emotional learning

As an art teacher, one of the most rewarding and challenging things for me to do is to develop a safe space for my students to talk to me about their feelings.

Often times students have not been taught how to deal with and express their emotions in the way that is beneficial to their development as well as to their peers.

Art is often thought of as a creative outlet for expression, but it is more than that. Art is one of the most common forms of expression used by students for non-verbal communication, problem solving, empathy, and self-reflection.

Students who have learned how to express themselves through art are more confident, engaged, and successful in the classroom.

Personalized learning

While technology and the Internet has made education much more efficient, there are some students who do not function in an online setting. Most high school and college students have experiences that have required them to use technology to complete a task or for educational purposes.

For some students, the experiences are positive, and for others, not so much. In order to achieve personal success, all students need to have opportunities to practice, challenge themselves, and receive personalized instruction to reach their fullest potential.

Having opportunities to complete projects in an individualized setting can be extremely beneficial to students in building skills and strategies to improve success in the classroom.

What art in education can offer students:

Art in education can offer so much more than the traditional formal curriculum. However, most students spend the majority of their time in a traditional classroom setting where there is limited or no art education.

By showing students that art can offer more than just a craft or hobby, art in education can help students gain a better appreciation for the vast skills of the creative mind.