Inquiry Project Introduction

"Art is everywhere, except it has to pass through a creative mind." I have come to realize that art is all over from the sidewalk chalk drawings, to the shoes we wear. Allowing art in academic classrooms give students a chance to experience active learning while expressing their individualism. Art has been able to aid the development of certain skills needed in our society. Critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, originality, imagination, ownership in learning, and teamwork are just a few examples of the influence that art can have on students in schools. There have been critics who believe art is not relevant in our education systems, that there is no place for it. As budgets are getting cut, it is quite evident that the subjects not present on standardized testing will suffer the most. Art education, although a crucial factor in a student’s academic life, suffers first and most. I will delve deeper into the history of art education, the cognitive and social affects on students, and touch upon four essential questions. What are our schools like, and how did they get that way? Who are our students? Who are our teachers? What are the characteristics of an effective teacher? It is important to realize that art is all around us. Not only does it have a direct affect on academic achievement by aiding in the creative learning of children; it helps them develop their individualism and the person they are destined to be. Art is a beautiful part of our lives; imagine what our world would be like without all of the Picasso's, Van Gogh's, and Caravaggio's. Art holds an essential place in the world, and in our school system. Why would we want to prevent the creation of art and the acceptance and understanding people have acquired towards it over the years?