Item 12: I help students do something with their learning.

There are several ways to extend student art learning to make explicit connections to real-world relevancy and career/workforce readiness. Below are a few things I do in my classroom:

Creating real-world projects and inviting guest speakers that work in the field:

To make connections between art learning and real-world relevance, I have assigned projects where students create posters or graphics for school events. These projects allow students to practice the planning, execution, and editing of an actual project that will be displayed around school. Additionally, I have guided a few students in creating a mural inspired by our school mascot and IB profile traits. To further connect students with the professional art world, I have invited professional artists to talk to my class about their creative process and professional work. This approach enables students to apply and transfer what they have learned in class to a real-life profession (Connor, S). Below are examples of the mural discussed above.

Integrating technology & Entrepreneurship:

I frequently integrate technology into art projects to provide students with valuable workforce-relevant skills. Through projects such as creating digital art and using 3D printers to make sculptures, students learn valuable skills that are in high demand in the workforce (Wang, B). Furthermore, I teach students about entrepreneurship and how they can use their artistic abilities to create a career. In my lessons, I include slides on marketing, branding, and networking to encourage students to consider how they can turn their passion for art into a viable business. I also collaborate with business teachers at my school to facilitate these discussions. By demonstrating how art classes intersect with other subject areas, I help students see the potential value of their artistic skills beyond graduation.

Personal Reflection: The visual arts classroom offers a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, as it draws upon various fields of study such as mathematics, graphic design, science, and technology. This approach not only enriches the educational experience but also facilitates the integration of soft skills that are crucial in the professional world (Alison, G). By merging different areas of study, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are necessary for success in any career path. When introducing a new unit in visual arts, it is crucial to not only cover the technical aspects of the medium being explored but also to provide a deeper understanding of the "why" behind the assignment.

Incorporating transferable skills that will be used in real-world jobs helps students see the relevance and importance of the material being taught. This approach encourages them to think beyond the classroom and envision how their skills and knowledge can be applied in their future careers. Ultimately, an interdisciplinary approach to teaching visual arts provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in any professional field they choose to pursue.

References

Alison Gerber. (2017). The Work of Art : Value in Creative Careers. Stanford University Press.

Connor, S. (2020). The Arts: A Creative Future. National Highlights Inc.

Wang, B. (2022). The Application of Modern Computer-Aided Technology in Fine Art Education. Security & Communication Networks, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8038178