We Should Learn Through Art Whenever Possible (... It Always Is)

I heard the absolute best most compelling discussion in which conductor and educator Paolo Bortolameolli emphasizes the intrinsic connection between art and learning. The first thing that struck me was that he states at the beginning that along with physical activity, the arts can do nothing but benefit people, of any and all ages. He observes that adults naturally engage children in artistic activities—singing, dancing, painting, and role-playing—fostering genuine bonds and facilitating communication as well as of course, learning. The first way in which grown ups begin teaching others is through the arts. However, as formal education progresses, there’s a noticeable shift away from these creative practices toward more conventional subjects, often sidelining the arts in an effort to make learning a serious endeavor. He highlights how the arts are no longer seen as a valuable serious endeavor in their own right, but something light, frivolous–a childish indulgence.

This transition raises a critical question: Why does “serious” education often mean less art? Bortolameolli advocates for integrating art into all areas of education, believing that subjects like history, language, and mathematics can be enriched through artistic engagement. This approach not only enhances understanding but also nurtures a more profound connection to the material.

Before the advent of industrialized education and standardized curricula, art was deeply embedded in educational practices across various cultures. It served as a primary medium for teaching essential skills, cultural values, and social norms. This integration of art into learning was not merely for aesthetic appreciation but was fundamental to the holistic development of individuals within their communities.

Art in Pre-Industrial Education

In many pre-industrial societies, education was informal and community-based. Artistic activities were intertwined with daily life and learning processes:

• Apprenticeship Models: Before formal schooling systems, young people often learned trades and crafts through apprenticeships. They worked closely with master artisans, acquiring skills in pottery, weaving, painting, and sculpture. This hands-on experience was crucial for preserving and transmitting techniques and cultural heritage.

• Storytelling and Oral Traditions: Narrative art forms, including storytelling, music, and dance, were central to imparting moral lessons, history, and cultural identity. For instance, Indigenous communities in North America utilized storytelling to educate children about their heritage and societal values. These stories were often accompanied by songs and dances, making the learning experience immersive and memorable. 

• Rituals and Ceremonies: Artistic expressions in rituals and ceremonies played a significant role in marking important life events and seasonal changes. Through participation in these artistic communal activities, individuals learned about their cultural practices and societal roles.

Art in Non-Western Educational Practices

In various non-Western cultures, traditional art forms continue to be integral to education:

• Indigenous Education Systems: Indigenous education often emphasizes learning through art, storytelling, and direct engagement with the environment. These methods foster a deep connection to cultural identity and community values. For example, in many African communities, storytelling, music, and dance are used to teach social norms and history, ensuring the transmission of knowledge across generations. 

• Craft Apprenticeships: In regions like the Andes, traditional crafts such as weaving are taught through apprenticeships. Organizations like the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco in Peru work to preserve these art forms by facilitating the transmission of skills from elders to younger generations, ensuring that cultural heritage remains vibrant. 

• Integration of Art in Daily Life: In many cultures, art is not seen as a separate discipline but is integrated into daily activities and education. For instance, in Japan, traditional arts like calligraphy and tea ceremonies are taught to instill discipline, aesthetics, and cultural values.

Historically, art has been a cornerstone of education, serving as a conduit for cultural transmission, skill development, and personal growth. The shift towards standardized education systems often marginalized these practices. This later took off during the Cold War when a focus on STEM became a priority in order to compete in those fields with other countries. However, understanding and reintegrating these traditional art-based educational methods can offer valuable insights into creating more holistic and culturally responsive learning environments today.

The Role Art Plays in Enhancing Learning of Various Subjects

Integrating art into different subjects can transform traditional learning experiences, making them more engaging and effective. This is a mode of learning used widely and incredibly effectively in early education, when kids are learning and absorbing vast amount of information and knowledge.  Here’s how various art forms can enrich core academic areas:

1. History Through Visual Arts and Music

Visual arts and music offer vivid insights into historical contexts:

• Visual Arts: Analyzing paintings, sculptures, and photographs from specific periods helps students grasp the cultural and social nuances of the time. For instance, studying Eugène Delacroix’s works can provide a window into the emotions and events of the French Romantic era.

• Music: Listening to compositions by artists like Ludwig van Beethoven allows students to experience the sentiments and atmospheres prevalent during significant historical moments.

By engaging with these art forms, students can develop a more immersive and empathetic understanding of history.

2. Language Through Drama and Storytelling

Incorporating drama and storytelling into language arts can enhance literacy and communication skills:

• Drama: Role-playing and reenacting scenes from literature enable students to explore character motivations and narratives deeply, fostering empathy and critical thinking.

• Storytelling: Encouraging students to craft and share their own stories promotes creativity and hones their writing and verbal skills.

These methods make language learning dynamic and personal, moving beyond traditional reading and writing exercises.

3. Mathematics Through Visual Arts and Music

Artistic elements can demystify abstract mathematical concepts:

• Visual Arts: Creating geometric art, such as tessellations or fractals, helps students visualize and understand spatial relationships and symmetry.

• Music: Exploring rhythms and musical patterns introduces students to mathematical concepts like fractions, ratios, and sequences in an auditory and engaging manner. There is a reason why during the time of Plato and Aristotle mathemata encompassed: arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music. These made up the quadrivium, which the Greeks found to create a "natural grouping" of mathematical principles.

These approaches make mathematics tangible and relatable, highlighting its presence in everyday life and creative processes.

4. Science Through Creative Arts

The arts can illuminate scientific principles and phenomena:

• Visual Arts: Drawing and modeling scientific concepts, such as anatomy, cell structures or planetary systems, aid in visualizing and retaining complex information. Scientists had relied on making drawings of different organisms for hundreds of years in order to understand them better.

• Dance and Movement: Choreographing movements to represent processes like the water cycle or atomic interactions allows students to embody and internalize scientific concepts.

Integrating arts into science education fosters curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Advocacy for Arts Integration

The National Art Education Association (NAEA) supports arts integration, defining it as an approach where students construct and demonstrate understanding through art forms, engaging in a creative process that connects an art form with another subject area. 

Research indicates that arts integration can lead to improved academic performance, enhanced critical thinking, and increased student engagement. For example, studies have found a positive correlation between art education and higher test scores, graduation rates, and overall academic achievement. 

Highlighting how art can integrate into various subjects is not merely about enriching the curriculum; it’s about recognizing art as a fundamental component of comprehensive education. It can show us where different subjects overlap and lead us to unexpected directions in research and thought. This approach nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to any material, preparing young people (but truly this can apply to people of any age) to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex world.

Recommended Resources

For those interested in exploring this topic further, consider the following resources:

• “Express Yourself! Arts Integration in the Classroom”: An article discussing practical strategies for incorporating arts into classroom instruction. 

• “Tips for Teachers: 8 Projects That Integrate Art with Other Subjects”: A guide offering project ideas to blend art with various academic subjects. 

• “The Benefits of Art Integration in Education”: An exploration of how art integration positively impacts student learning and development. 

• “NAEA Position Statement on Arts Integration”: The National Art Education Association’s official stance on the importance of arts integration in education. 

For further exploration of traditional art in education:

• “Indigenous Storytelling in North America”: An article detailing the role of storytelling in Indigenous education. 

• “Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco”: Information on efforts to preserve traditional weaving techniques in Peru. 

• “Education in Africa”: An overview of traditional educational practices in African societies. 

These resources provide deeper insights into how art has been and continues to be an integral part of education across different cultures.