Art-based learning (0)

Art- based learning
We can see that art-based learning is not a regular method in school. Although I barely can understand why. It seems to me, that it is rather interesting way of learning. I also would like to point out, that childrens emotional memory is strong and pleasant things will be understood and remembered more. Therefore I would like to discribe the method thoroughly.
Only in the past few hundred years has reading been the primary way of teaching religion. For centuries , religious education relied on hearing and seeing. Religious education can benefit by returning to the ages -old methods of hearing and seeing to complement reading. This method enables you to make the old learning way-seeing available for the students nowadays .It is about deepening our understanding of faith. In times past, when people could not read, it was through pictures that they came to realize the glory of God's world and the meaning of the Bible ( http://books.google.ee/books/about/Beyond_the_Written_Word.html?id=wBXK1Y4BlTEC&redir_esc=y ).
Distribution and sources of this method
Talking about art-based learning I am guided from the Maria Luisa Mazzarello article „Teaching religion through art.“ As an italian she maily gives examples from Italy , but this method is generally used. There are some similarities between RE in Itanly and inEstonia.In both countries it is an optional subject . RE in different countries has some similarities and same teaching methods can be used in different countries. I found several well recognized books , which give guidances how to use art in teaching religious education. One of the best and oldest is book „The Use of Art in Religious Education“ by Albert Bailey in 1922. There are also many newer approaches for example, „Christianity through Art: A resource for teaching Religious Education through Art“ by Margaret Cooling in 2009. The field of books to use Art in RE is various. Allthough useing this method we shoud consider our own cultural backround to adjust it for our pupils .
One of the mentioned resources Margater Cooling´s book „Christianity through Art: A resource for teaching Religious Education through Art“ seems to be a very useful source for RE teachers, who would like to use art as a method. Her book offers 24 large colour prints of a variety of works of art in different media (painting, sculpture, engraved glass , woven cloth, etc.), which have been chosen to reflect the global nature of Christianity. The resource can be used in RE to explore both learning about and learning from Christianity, and as part of spiritual, moral and cultural development ( http://www.amazon.com/Christianity-Through-Art-Margaret-Cooling/dp/1851753826 ).
Usage of the method
This method helps pupils to understand Christian signs and symbols . It is a good opportunity for a teacher to enrich their teachings with the language of image . An important criterion in choosing an artistic work is complexity. The choise must be done according to the age and ability of the children . Also teacher must remember that expression of christian art can be interpretered variously(Mazzarello:107-108).
In my point of view visual teching methods are interesting for the pupils. Also it helps children to connect before heard bible stories with visual art. They see the symbols and also learns to analyse them .
For understanding that a picture has a structure and characteristics and it needs to be interpretered correctly children should see in in three ways . Firstly they see it by the global view where the approach is emotional and they are attrachted by some details and missing some. Secondly there is a analytic view, where they analyse the obvious and more symbolic meanings and find the relationships between them. Thirdly they see it in a syntetic way, where the global message is explained and enriched by the symbolic meanings. In other words at first they read it, then they analize it and in the end they verbalise the message(Mazzarello:108-109).
The power of sacred art can be used for teaching purposes. In fact , religious art “ makes possible a larger measure of desirable religious growth with the least waste of time and energy and with the greatest satisfaction to all concerned. In the interest of economy and efficiency it is recognized as an indispensible factor .” Therefore, “the use of art in religious education is not a luxury .” [Bailey, A. The Use of Art in Religious Education, The Abingdon Press: NY, 1922. p.9] Why is that true? Using sacred art correctly is arguably the most efficient means to evangelize and catechize because once an image has been introduced and explained by a teacher for example, a mere repeat glance at that image brings back the instruction and inspiration instantaneously. ( http://catholicliberaleducation.org/newsletters/2010_february/news_newsletter_article_3.ht m)
Christian art expressions
To understand the message of the art, we must realize that christian art expresses itself in a unique way. For example it re-tells the bible stories in a visual way, but still offers them in traditional way beautifully.It also brings together scene , eventse, places and times even when they are far apart in reality. Futhermore it enables historical-cultural inheritance to be rediscovered and so on. Basically it is exeptional and gives pupils an opportunity to interpreter like it is acceptable for them(Mazzarello:107).
In conclusion I find this method rather useful. It makes the lessons more interesting, but it also helps children in their process of learning. As we know diffrent pupild learn in a different way. But teaching through art can help them all. If we look at the picture, the visual learners have a benefit, but when we read and discuss about picture other ways of learning also benefot from it. Pupils can see, talk , hear and read about it. Also during discussion they can write their ideas and analyses about symbols in art. Learning through art also helps the children to learn about other subjects also and how to see relationships between them too. They learn about different artists , their times and even about art tehniques. It supplements pupils worldview and shows them that religion is strongly connected to culture. All to together this sort of learning is gripping and various. Positive emotions make learning more acceptable.