For this workshop, several individuals discussed their work, research, and findings based on Arts Integration, including Debbie Randolph, the Curator of Education at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, SECCA, here in Winston-Salem who is writing her dissertation on Arts Integration.
Researchers discussed:
-Much learning takes place in and through the Arts.
-"Habits of the Mind" are developed through the Arts, such as:
-Critical Thinking
-Communication Skills
-Overcoming Fear of Failure
-'Grit'
-Awareness
-Reflection
-Analysis of Relationships
-Arts help in making connections.
-Student behavior changes when integrating.
-Museums and galleries can offer professional development and teaching moments.
-Arts Integration changes the school culture.
-The Arts improve relationships with students.
-Arts encourage fun and acknowledge and utilize emotions.
-Teaching through the Arts allows teachers to teach in units.
-A true Arts Integration Model School has complete teacher 'buy-in.'