what is critical thinking in art

Art and Critical Thinking

Arts Academy

in the Woods

How Art Education Fosters Critical Thinking and Why It Matters

These days, the ability to grasp the logical connection between ideas is a necessary skill.

Unless you’re a hermit living in a cave, there is so much information coming at all of us at any given moment.

Being able to discern which information is of worth – and which is not based in reality – requires critical thinking.

So What Exactly Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is often synonymous with reflective and independent thinking. It means knowing how to take in the data and then come to a reasonable conclusion. 

Those who engage in critical thinking are constantly questioning ideas and assumptions rather than just accepting what’s being peddled to the masses.

Critical thinkers want to know that the incoming information is representative of the bigger picture. If they determine that it’s not, they’ll take the necessary measures to get that additional information.

Critical Thinking Versus Being Critical

Critical thinking is not the same thing as being argumentative or critical/judgmental of other people. Sure, critical thinking can expose errors or poor reasoning.

But it’s also crucial for cooperative reasoning and then moving toward constructive tasks. Because acquiring more knowledge improves and strengthens one’s theories and arguments. And this subsequently leads to enhanced work processes.

How Art Improves Critical Thinking

Because critical thinking tends to incorporate logical and rational thinking and veers from instinct, many people see it as a hinderance to creativity.

After all, creativity requires breaking the rules, right? (Well, yes and no .)

Still, critical thinking truly requires out-of-the-box thinking. Rather than just taking popular approaches and swallowing them whole, critical thinkers challenge the consensus. This means they often have to pursue less popular thoughts or approaches.

So if you think about, critical thinking is an absolutely necessary component of creativity. Without it, how can the creative person continue to evaluate and improve upon his or her ideas?

It’s this very process of observation and study that teaches students of the arts to more intensely observe and analyze the world. And it gives them the skills that build the foundation of critical thinking.

But Why Does It Matter?

You might think that if your path leads you to work in research, law, education, management, finance or medicine, then you’ll absolutely need this skill. And you’re right.

But no matter what you   choose to do with your life, the ability to think clearly and rationally is important.

Knowing how to receive information, clearly consider it and then use it to systematically solve problems is an asset for any career. Especially in light of this new knowledge economy. To be successful in such an economy requires one to able to handle changes quickly and effectively.

There is an increased demand for workers to be able to analyze a lot of information from diverse sources, then integrate it in order to find solutions. Critical thinking promotes these skills.

It also enhances language and presentation skills. The simple act of learning to think in a more systematic and logical fashion can also improve the way one expresses ideas.

Furthermore, in having to analyze the structure of different information sources, critical thinking also improves one’s ability to comprehend.

And as we mentioned above, critical thinking actually promotes creativity. Coming up with creative solutions is more than just having new ideas. There has to be an understanding that the new ideas are useful and relevant to the required task.   Critical thinking plays an important role in this.

That’s right. Critical thinking is even important for this. It’s nearly impossible to structure a meaningful life without the ability to justify and reflect on our own values and decisions. And critical thinking provides the tools for this process.

So yeah, it’s safe to say that critical thinking definitely matters.

Learning Critical Thinking with an Arts Integration Education

Arts integration education merges the important skill of critical thinking achieved through art education and blends it in with academics.

There’s no disputing the importance of STEM. The above mentioned knowledge economy requires students to understand facets of science, technology, engineering and math.

With arts integration though, there’s the added importance of art – hence the term STEAM. Arts integration isn’t looking to bypass STEM. It strives instead to create an integrated program that includes all of those, while teaching the application of skills learned through the arts – such as critical thinking.

Arts integration helps students see the world from multiple angles, and to take a design-thinking approach in finding solutions.

Teaching young people to be careful and deliberate observers can go miles toward expanding their worldview. And this, in turn, can create a stronger democracy.

Do You Want to Explore An Arts Integration Education?

So take a look at what our students have to say . And/or request a tour of our school and see what we have to offer.

Then get ready to put those critical thinking skills toward a higher purpose.

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A Teacher Asks: Why the Renwick?

Vaija Wagle, former teacher at Washington International School. 

Welcome to the Renwick Gallery. I am Vaija Wagle. I have been a classroom teacher for the last 40 years. For 20 of those years, ideas from Project Zero , a research institute at Harvard Graduate School of Education influenced teaching and learning in my classroom. Upon retiring from the classroom, I took on the challenge of writing teacher resources for the Renwick Gallery.

As a teacher, my initial concern was that the Renwick Gallery would not be a teacher’s intuitive choice. Teachers have limited time and the artwork at the Renwick Gallery were not connected to any curriculum content. However, I soon recognized that the artwork at the Renwick Gallery presented a unique teaching opportunity.

Finding the Key

The artworks begged understanding. Using thinking patterns to understand and appreciate the artworks could offer students vital lessons to learn about critical thinking. If thinking about their thinking (metacognition) could be part of this experience, then the students might, in addition, transfer these thinking patterns across subject areas and to the world beyond.

If a visit to the Renwick, either through reproductions in the classroom or in-person, offered an opportunity to learn about using critical thinking skills and metacognition, teachers like me might find it quite valuable. With this in mind, I set to work on the units now available in the Resources section. They use a variety of trans-disciplinary thinking patterns to appreciate and understand the Renwick’s artworks such as:

• Uncovering Hidden Stories
• Taking Multiple Perspectives
• Getting to the Heart of the Matter
• Gleaning Context from Objects
• Making Connections

Learn more about Field Trips and School Tours at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The Units’ Philosophical Core

At Project Zero , I was profoundly drawn to the idea of making cultivating understanding through critical thinking as the goal of learning. This idea promised to benefit students’ learning in the classroom, but also for life long learning beyond the classroom.

You’ll notice that the units I created:

• Constructing an understanding of big conceptual ideas : Big conceptual ideas describe physical and social patterns that govern the world, how things work or why they are the way they are. They provide an enduring and universal lens through which to view subject matter but also the world around.
• Engage active student thinking . While knowledge may be dished out and delivered, understanding can only be cultivated through critical thinking, and through the units, students are guided to use a variety of thinking patterns to construct the desired understandings.

The units are designed for a variety of age groups; elementary to middle school students or middle to high school students.

Each unit takes between 60 and 90 minutes and can be accomplished during a visit to the museum or by displaying high definition photographs of the artworks available on the website.

Each unit uses a particular thinking pattern to look closely at a select artwork, and form informed and relevant interpretations.

There are metacognitive breaks along the way to help students become cognizant of the thinking pattern they are using to engage with the artworks.

A closing moment of reflection is built in to allow the students to revisit the experience and think about what they gained both in terms of ideas the artwork generated and patterns of thinking used.

Examples of how the various thinking patterns can be used to successfully teach curriculum content are also provided.

Practical Testing

As a teacher, I know that there is nothing better than a chance to actually teach the units and receive feedback. So, I took multiple opportunities to test the units in the gallery and at workshops across the city and gather feedback from participating students and teachers. I also reflected on what worked and what didn’t.

My highlight was when we presented the unit on Hidden Stories (the importance of seeking side and hidden stories to better understand the main story) to a high school art class at St. Alban’s School. Having visited the classroom some days before, my host teacher wrote to me and said that the students had returned from their art class and informed their teachers in the history and literature classes that they ought to be looking for side and hidden stories!! This, to me, is the ideal outcome. With all this feedback I set to revise the units.

Thinking Through Craft  resources were funded by a generous gift from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust.

Top 7 Benefits of Art Education for Critical Thinking

If you're an art student, you understand how dynamic art education is! Art is a learning that comes in various forms. For a long time, there has been a great value in art education in enhancing analytical skills.

If you're an art student, you understand how dynamic art education is! Art is a learning that comes in various forms. For a long time, there has been a great value in art education in enhancing analytical skills.

Studies show that developing thinking skills through visual art is an excellent approach to developing critical thinking skills in students. When an image is perceived, it develops a critical thinking ability in students, which has been proven to nurture analytical skills.

Like assignment writing services , art education relies on critical thinking as its foundation, aiming to assist students in producing high-quality work. In this article, we will delve into the significance of art education and its role in fostering creativity and critical thinking among students. Importance of Art Education to Develop Critical Thinking

Art education is a dynamic field with numerous essential elements that contribute to the broader educational landscape. Beyond aiding students in acquiring analytical skills, art education provides a multitude of benefits. It's accurate to assert that art and critical thinking are interconnected.

To cultivate analytical skills and articulate them through visual expression, art education becomes indispensable. This parallels the necessity of college paper writers , crucial for enhancing writing skills during your college journey, enabling success in exams and assignments.

Let's explore the myriad advantages that art education offers, including the development of creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and proficiency in various disciplines.

1.   Creativity and Critical Thinking

Art has its base in various forms; it could teach painting, drawing sketches, or anything else.

Whatever it is, art education lies in enhancing creativity, a skill that must be in today's changing world. When you encourage students to engage in such creative experiments, you allow them to explore the creativity and unique perspective art education offers.

It goes hand in hand with critical thinking as well. When students indulge in any form of art, they are prompted to analyze, interpret, and critique the artwork.

This practice enhances their ability to assess information, form their viewpoint, and make an informed judgment about it. The whole process builds a thoughtful perspective in both complex and interconnected ways.

2.   Cognitive and Emotional Development

Art students are liable to build strong cognitive and emotional skills. With the creation of art, they enhance the skills of observation, pattern recognition, and reasoning.

They can abstract these concepts into a form, holding their thinking ability accountable to form perspective and thoughts. When further enhanced, these skills grow into an ability to solve problems and analyze.

Emotional development is yet another aspect that art education touches. Art is a power of expression. Through it, students can explore their creativity and mental health.

3.   Promoting Cultural Understanding

Art is a unique ability to promote a country's or regional cultural understanding among the students. They will learn to have an appreciation for the work they perform.

Art education touches on various cultures and periods, and students gain insight into the value and histories surrounding the art. It has no language barrier, communication issues, or anything. It allows the student to go beyond their understanding and into the world of imagination to understand and appreciate the art.

Students learning art education learn about different artists and their backgrounds. This learning allows them to develop empathy and open-mindedness. They can appreciate the diversity of art and recognize the themes that connect the universe.

It goes against the stereotypes and fosters a culture of respect in cultures and celebrates them rather than fear. This equips them with global empathy and respect for different traditions and viewpoints.

4.   Integration in Curriculum

Including art in the school or education curriculum is an excellent approach to maximizing its benefits. While art is seamlessly woven into any subject, students experience firsthand connection with the knowledge.

Students studying art from a specific time can enhance their knowledge of history and gain insight into a political-social context. Art has also proven to be beneficial for science education.

This approach allows students to learn art in their own curriculum and helps enhance their learning ability.

It helps them build connections between the disciples and the complexities of real-world challenges. By integrating art, the school can prepare its students to become innovative thinkers who can apply creative and critical skills in various contexts.

5.   Embracing Versatility

Painting, drawing, sculptures, painting, photography, and other art education forms can experiment with various materials and approaches. Students could be learning digital art, fine art, or ceramics, but one thing in common is their ability to explore.

Art is not limited to a particular aspect and has various forms. Students who are involved in art education can select from a wide range of course approaches and learn about them.

We now live in a world where transdisciplinary is highly valued, so in this context, flexibility becomes priceless. Art education provides a medium for students to explore their field of want and interest and get educated in it.

6.   Exploring Career Opportunities

Along with developing analytical and emotional skills, art education has its own roots in defined career paths. Contrary to the stereotype in our society that fine art only leads to struggling artists, it opens the door to various career paths.

Students interested in art and a graduate degree can practice various occupations. When studying art, students exhibit their work and explore other avenues of art like art education, art therapy, museum curation, graphic design, art conservation, and more.

When more refined, this skill allows them to be a successful worker in this field. Further, art students are also creative, critical thinkers, and visual communicators. These skills are highly demanded in the world.

7.   Personal Achievement

While studying art has benefits and advantages, like helping in critical thinking and developing analytical skills, it is also about personal fulfillment. Students are on their journey to self-discovery and are on a road of continuous growth.

Art education provides students with an opportunity to learn about themselves and about art.

They get a feeling of fulfillment from creative, beautiful, and thought-provoking pieces. Art allows you to explore your own areas of identity, passion, and values.

Other than subject matter, art education also teaches students to learn more about themselves, the culture, work, and the values behind the artwork. This leads them to a path of personal fulfillment and self-expression that goes beyond traditional education.

In conclusion, art education is a medium that enhances various aspects of human development in students. It allows them to develop their critical thinking ability. It leads them to nurture their analytical skills through visual expression. Further, it's mentioned to be a great way to enhance creativity and promote emotional intelligence.

By including art education in the regular curriculum, students learn to be more self-aware and authentic to art's value, from cultural appreciation to its impact. Students are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in the world, like innovation, empathy, and knowledge.

In this article, we mentioned the top 7 benefits of studying art and how it positively impacts a student's mindset and creates positive learners in life.

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Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.

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Visual Art as Critical Thinking

Creative approaches to core subjects

We've heard this story before. The first thing to go in budget cuts is the visual art program or another related art. Proponents of arts education counter with the usual rhetoric on the importance of self-expression and creativity. I, myself, am a product of arts education.

From the early age of kindergarten I was in musical theater. I eventually transitioned in music as a focus, and was a choir nerd in middle school and into college. In fact, my participation in Jazz Choir kept me in school, as I struggled with depression as a young adult. I kept singing into college, where I led the jazz and a cappella ensemble, and participated in a semiprofessional jazz ensemble the Seattle Jazz Singers . Although my schedule no longer allows me to sing on a regular basis, karaoke continually calls my name. I'm sure many of you had have had a similar experience, where art remains a crucial part of your being. These stories alone say "Yes!" to arts education.

Well, I have another argument to advocate for arts education. Visual arts (as well as other arts) are an excellent discipline to build and utilize critical thinking skills. I don't think we often give credit to the deep conceptual and interpretational thinking that goes into the creation of a piece of art, and this is often because art is treated as something separate from the core content areas. School does not need to be this way. In fact, I have recently seen two excellent ways that art can be used to wrestle with rigorous content from the core while allowing for creativity and expression.

I had the privilege of visiting High Tech High and Middle in San Diego, California. The first thing I noticed that art was vital to the culture of the school. Whether using physics content to create kinetic art with pulleys or to create 21st century resumes (see photo above), teachers embraced art as part of the culture of study.

Chris Uyeda was nice enough to sit down with me to talk about a recent chemistry project by his students. They were told that the common image of the atom was WRONG, and that they needed to create a pitch for a better representation of it. Chemistry and the study of the atom require deep conceptual thinking, some of which is hard to grasp. Chris saw art as an opportunity to have students critically think around the content to create a beautiful art piece. The student example below shows just one student's take on a more appropriate representation of the atom through the motif of bees and beehive. Art was a great way to familiarize students with critical content they would need later in the course.

A colleague of mine, Dayna Laur, a social studies teacher at Central High School in York, Pennsylvania, worked with her art teacher colleague Katlyn Wolfgang to ingrate the study of art and politics. Edutopia featured their story and advice , and you can use some of their resources. The driving question for the project was, "How can art reflect and inform the public about policy-making agendas?" In it, the students had to collaborate across classrooms to create an art piece that had a message.

More than just making connections, the art students had to use their critical thinking skills not only to understand all the information and nuances of their public policy issue, but also to synthesize it into an art piece that conveyed a message. Students researched legislation, background information and other pertinent content. Instead of simply creating artwork with a message (which is a natural function of art), they had to wrestle first with critical content of politics and social studies before creating the art piece. Student examples are pictured above and below.

Teachers, your mission is finding ways to integrate art into the core subjects. Use your students' creative impulses to bring a new purpose to interpreting, conceptualizing and critically thinking around content. This type of integration can work for ANY discipline. It will help to value art as not just a separate entity, but rather integral to the school culture. Art is important as a single subject, but also should be valued as core through rigorous integration. In addition to being a fulfilling part of your students' lives, it can engage them in the core content.

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• Introduction

The role of the critic

• Foundations of art criticism in antiquity and the Middle Ages
• Renaissance art criticism
• Art criticism in the 17th century: Programmatic theory
• Art criticism in the 18th century: Enlightenment theory
• The growth of power and influence
• The avant-garde problem
• Critical response to early avant-garde art
• The new conceptual orientation
• Avant-garde art comes to America
• Clement Greenberg
• “Other Criteria”: Rosenberg and Alloway
• Formalism’s legacy
• The irony of the avant-garde
• Art criticism at the turn of the 21st century

art criticism

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• Internet Archive - Art Criticism
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art criticism , the analysis and evaluation of works of art. More subtly, art criticism is often tied to theory; it is interpretive, involving the effort to understand a particular work of art from a theoretical perspective and to establish its significance in the history of art.

Many cultures have strong traditions of art evaluation. For example, African cultures have evaluative traditions—often verbal—of esteeming a work of art for its beauty, order, and form or for its utilitarian qualities and the role it plays in communal and spiritual activities. Islamic cultures have long traditions of historiographical writing about art. Works such as Mustafa Ali’s Manāqib-i hunarvarān (1587; “Wonderful Deeds of the Artists”) often focus on the traditions that define Islamic art, such as calligraphy , woodwork, glassware , metalwork , and textiles . China also has a strong tradition of art evaluation, dating back to writers such as Xie He (active mid-6th century), who offered the “ Six Principles ” for great art—a major principle being the qi yun sheng dong (“spirit resonance , life-motion”)—and to literati , who wrote biographies of great artists. For these and other regional approaches to art evaluation and historiography, see art, African ; arts, Central Asian ; arts, East Asian ; arts, Islamic ; arts, Native American ; art and architecture, Oceanic ; arts, South Asian ; and arts, Southeast Asian .

Like all these examples, the Western tradition has a set of evaluative criteria—sometimes shared with other cultures, sometimes unique—as well as elements of historiography . Within the history of Western art writing, however, is a distinct critical tradition characterized by the use of theory; theoretical analyses of art in the West—made either to oppose or to defend contemporary approaches to art making—led to what is generally understood as the discipline of “art criticism.” Art criticism developed parallel to Western aesthetic theory, beginning with antecedents in ancient Greece and fully taking form in the 18th and 19th centuries. This article explores this trajectory, also charting the divergent trend, beginning in the 20th and continuing into the 21st century, of the use of social and linguistic, rather than aesthetic , theoretical models by some critics. For the history of this tradition, see painting, Western , and sculpture, Western . See also Sidebar: Art Appreciation .

Critical approaches vary and depend upon the kind of art engaged—it makes a certain critical difference whether critics deal with painting , sculpture , photography , video , or other media. This article does not single out critics in terms of their engagement with a particular medium but rather presents the essentials of what appear to be coherent critical positions, often influential beyond the period of their formation. Architecture presents a distinct set of issues that require a unique critical approach; for architectural criticism, see architecture .

The critic is “minimally required to be a connoisseur,” which means he must have a “sound knowledge” of the history of art, as Philip Weissman wrote in his essay “ The Psychology of the Critic and Psychological Criticism” (1962), but “the step from connoisseur to critic implies the progression from knowledge to judgment.” The critic must make judgments because the art dealt with is generally new and unfamiliar—unless the critic is trying to reevaluate an old art with a fresh understanding of it—and thus of uncertain aesthetic and cultural value. The critic is often faced with a choice: to defend old standards, values, and hierarchies against new ones or to defend the new against the old. There are thus avant-garde critics, who become advocates of art that departs from and even subverts or destabilizes prevailing norms and conventions and becomes socially disruptive (one thinks, for example, of the furor caused by Caravaggio and Édouard Manet ), as well as reactionary critics, who defend the old order of thinking and values and the socially established familiar art that goes along with them. Extreme innovators—artists whose work is radically different, even revolutionary—pose the greatest challenge to the critic. Such artists push the limits of the critic’s understanding and appreciation or else force the critic to fall back on established assumptions in intellectual self-defeat. The greatest threat to art criticism is the development of defensive clichés—settled expectations and unquestioned presuppositions—about art, while the adventure of art criticism lies in the exposure to new possibilities of art and the exploration of new approaches that seem demanded by it.

The critic thus has a certain power of determination over art history , or at least great influence in creating the canon of art, as is evident, for example, in the naming by critics of many modern movements and in the “basic understanding” of the ostensibly incomprehensible, unconventional artists who initiated them. The British critic Roger Fry , who created the name “ Post-Impressionism ” and wrote brilliantly and convincingly about Paul Cézanne , is a classic example. Art criticism may also encompass historiography; while “art history” is often spoken of as an objective field, art historians’ own preferences cannot always be separated from their judgments and choices of emphasis, and this makes many art-historical narratives a subtler form of art criticism.

The French poet and critic Charles Baudelaire famously said, in his review of the Salon of 1846, that “to be just, that is to say, to justify its existence, criticism should be partisan, passionate, and political, that is to say, written from an exclusive point of view, but a point of view that opens up the widest horizons.” In this way, criticism is subjective as well as objective. It should be a matter of considered choice rather than arbitrary in its decisions of significance, but an emotional factor necessarily enters, as Baudelaire readily admitted. This can make criticism impressionistic or poetic as well as descriptive, analytic , and scholarly. Even the most journalistic criticism—and modern criticism is often a species of journalism—is rarely neutral and detached. The subjective affinities and cognitive interests of the critic and, however subliminally, a critic’s perception of social needs inevitably affect the content of criticism. In the 20th and 21st centuries theoretical bases such as Marxism and feminism have often entered art criticism more directly, making the critic’s perceptions of social needs more directly applicable to evaluations of art. As the German theorist Hans Robert Jauss wrote, every work of art exists within a social and historical “horizon of expectation.” The aesthetic response elicited by the work often depends upon how much it does or does not conform to historically conditioned social expectations. Critical recognition and advocacy , as Jauss says, is a complicated response to an often complicated art. The history of art criticism is a narrative of the responses that made an aesthetic as well as social difference in the general perception and conception of art, often legitimating its change in direction.

What is Art Education: Exploring its Purpose and Impact

What is art education.

Are you curious about the power of art education? Have you ever wondered why it’s so important to have art in the classroom?

Join us on this journey as we discover the true value of art education and how it can make a difference in students’ lives everywhere. Get ready to be inspired and amazed!

Key Takeaways

The disciplines in art education.

Art education encompasses a variety of disciplines that involve learning, instruction, and programming based on visual and tangible arts.

It includes performing arts such as dance, music, theatre, and visual arts like drawing, painting, sculpture, and design.

Through art education, students are exposed to diverse artistic practices, where they can develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Integrating arts into education allows learners to express themselves and discover their talents.

Understanding Art Education

Art education is a vital educational experience that fosters creativity and artistic expression and offers various cognitive and emotional benefits.

Whether it is music, dance, visual arts, or theatre, arts education is crucial in broadening your perspective and nurturing your imagination.

This helps you better understand various cultures, traditions, and histories, fostering empathy and respect for others.

Moreover, exploring, creating, and appreciating art can be therapeutic, enabling you to manage stress and emotional turmoil effectively.

So, embrace the world of arts, experience art education’s benefits , and appreciate the richness it brings to your life.

Importance of Art Education

Art education is crucial in fostering creativity and promoting a well-rounded learning experience.

As you explore the importance of art education , you will find numerous benefits that contribute to the overall development of every student.

One of the primary reasons art education is essential is because it helps students engage with school and reduce stress.

Incorporating art education into your curriculum aids in developing social-emotional and interpersonal skills .

A robust arts-learning environment enriches your educational experience by stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Art education challenges you to view the world differently and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

Partaking in art education equips you to handle constructive criticism. In the creative process, receiving feedback and refining your work is integral.

With numerous benefits, ranging from stress reduction to the development of interpersonal skills, it is clear that art education plays an essential role in every student’s overall growth.

Pedagogy in Art Education

Choice-based pedagogy is a popular approach in art education, where you, as the art teacher, design learning activities that support students as artists and provide them with authentic choices to respond to their ideas and interests through art-making  [1] .

Another critical aspect to consider in your pedagogy is culturally responsive teaching. As an art teacher, you must acknowledge and respect the diverse backgrounds of your students.

By incorporating their unique cultural experiences into your teaching and adapting your methods to ensure that all students can connect with the material, you are contributing to an inclusive art education environment.

Your coursework and professional development should emphasize art history , contemporary artistic practices, and various media and materials.

This helps you introduce students to a wide range of artists and movements, enabling them to critically engage with the world of art.

Your pedagogy might need to be flexible while working as a teaching artist, adapting to the unique needs and goals of each project or setting.

Doing so contributes to developing a new generation of artists and creative thinkers.

The Role of Art Educators

Your role goes beyond teaching the techniques and skills required to create art. It would help if you also instilled in your students an appreciation for and understanding of the cultural , historical , and social contexts in which different art forms have evolved.

In addition to being knowledgeable in your subject matter, as an art educator, you should cultivate a creative and supportive learning environment for your students.

This includes encouraging experimentation, curiosity, and self-expression while providing constructive feedback to help students grow as artists.

In summary, as an art educator, your role encompasses teaching a variety of art forms , nurturing creativity , fostering critical thinking , and advocating for the importance of an arts education in students’ lives.

Visual and Performing Arts

You’ll explore various disciplines in art education, including visual, performing, media , and  contemporary art .

Visual art encompasses traditional fine arts such as drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture.

On the other hand, performing arts consist of disciplines like theatre, dance, and music. These fields emphasize movement, expression, and storytelling, often utilizing the human body as the primary instrument.

This can involve exploring the works of present-day artists, situating them within a broader cultural context, and critically analyzing their messages and methodologies.

Art Education Programs

Art education programs play a crucial role in developing well-rounded students.

As a part of these programs, you’ll find courses encompassing various disciplines such as dance, music, theatre, and visual arts like drawing, painting, sculpture, and design works.

Many  art education programs  focus on building stronger communities and fostering strategic alliances that propel the arts forward as a solution.

As the demand for art education rises, it is essential to understand the benefits it offers to students.

In  community arts programs , participants often collaborate on art projects, emphasizing community involvement and social change. These programs aim to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Enrolling in a reputed  art school  can help you access top-notch facilities, dedicated faculty members experienced in various art forms, and networks of fellow artists and creative professionals.

Arts Integration in Education

Arts integration is a teaching approach where content standards are taught and assessed equitably in and through the arts.

This creative process connects an art form with another subject area, meeting evolving objectives and fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

This method focuses on the desired outcome, like your culminating event, exhibition, or final artwork , and builds the curriculum to achieve that goal.

This approach ensures all subject areas are effectively woven together and essential content is included in the learning process.

Connecting subject areas through the arts can create a more inclusive, diverse, and stimulating learning environment for all students.

Student Outcomes in Art Education

In art education, students experience various improvements in their learning outcomes.

By honing their creative skills, students become more capable of generating new ideas and adapting to different situations.

This more profound understanding of artistic meaning helps students develop a more nuanced approach to interpreting the world around them.

Problem-solving is another critical learning outcome associated with art education. Students who engage in art projects often face complex challenges that require them to find solutions by experimenting with various techniques and materials.

Students learn to communicate effectively , listen to others, and contribute to a larger goal by engaging in these collaborative activities.

Students can experience growth in these essential skills by participating in art education.

Art Practice and Learning Opportunities

Studio practice.

In art education, studio practice is a crucial component that enables you to develop your technical skills and artistic abilities.

Practical Experiences

Practical experiences in art education provide invaluable opportunities to apply your artistic knowledge in real-life situations.

Art Making and Creativity

Art-making and creativity go hand-in-hand in the realm of art education. By actively participating in creative activities, you develop a stronger sense of self-expression and expand your ability to generate innovative ideas.

Embracing art-making and creativity fosters a lifelong love of learning and enriches your educational experience.

The Impact of Art Education on Early Childhood Development

In early childhood education, the integration of art plays a significant role in the development of young artists.

Various studies have demonstrated the value of incorporating artistic practices into early childhood education programs  [6] .

Encouraging young learners to engage in imaginative activities can improve social interaction, self-expression, and emotional regulation skills.

Children develop a sense of curiosity and wonder that translates into a lifelong love of learning by participating in diverse artistic experiences, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and music.

In conclusion, as an advocate for your child’s education, it is essential to consider the impact of art education on their early childhood development .

Art Education Beyond the Classroom

Museums are a great place to expose yourself to various art forms and expand your understanding of different artistic styles and periods.

While in-person art classes offer a distinct experience, joining art organizations can provide valuable knowledge and opportunities to network with other artists and professionals .

These groups often provide workshops, events, and resources to help you grow as an artist.

Art education can also benefit non-arts fields by fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Brainstorming techniques, like collaborative sketching and mind-mapping, can be used across various industries to generate new ideas and improve decision-making.

Take advantage of the opportunities available, explore new avenues, and let your art flourish beyond the classroom.

Future Perspectives in Art Education

One key aspect of future perspectives in art education is how it prepares students for the evolving world.

Moreover, the integration of new concepts and innovations in the field of art education will provide unique opportunities for students to thrive.

The embrace of technology in art education will significantly enhance how you approach creative projects, equipping you with the necessary tools to master emerging forms of artistic expression.

Furthermore, the future of art education aims to focus on the importance of art in addressing social and emotional well-being.

By being involved in this ever-evolving field, you will be better prepared for the challenges ahead, fostering creativity and innovation that can significantly impact the world.

Final Thoughts on What is Art Education

As we conclude our exploration of art education, we are left with a deep appreciation for the power of creativity and self-expression.

It’s about preparing students for a future where innovation and creativity are more crucial than ever before.

We are a team of creatives dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and step-by-step guides on all things related to art and design. Check out our blog for a list of all the awesome things we post!

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Teaching Critical Thinking through Art, 0.2: Focal Point: Why use art to develop thinking?

In this video, Shari Tishman, the principal researcher and developer of Artful Thinking at Project Zero in the Harvard Graduate School of Education, talks about the powerful ways in which art stimulates critical thinking as she answers the question: Why is art so important for people, and students specifically, to think about? 

Developing creative thinking skills through art

In Growing Up Creative , author Teresa Amabile explains that fostering a creative environment helps children engage in abstract and analytical thinking, sharpen their visual-spatial acuity, and become more receptive to out-of-the-box thinking. Creative thinkers are more able to suspend judgment about people and circumstances and avoid gender stereotyping. They have high degrees of autonomy and demonstrate self-discipline in matters regarding work. They are able to delay gratification, tolerate ambiguity, and demonstrate high levels of self-control.

Creative learners are big-picture global thinkers with a willingness to take risks and strive for excellence. With your guidance, your gifted child can become a global thinker and make connections to real life experiences through the arts. This can lead to a lifetime of creative thinking, future problem solving.

“I’m painting a tiger pretending to be a lion,” exclaimed five-year-old Ben as he added a mane to his crude picture of a striped cat. Soon after that, he bounded off with a dry paintbrush-turned-sword and announced that he was Captain Hook pretending to be Peter Pan.

Children like Ben—who flow with unusual, humorous ideas—demonstrate creative thinking. Creativity requires original thought, which in turn requires clarity and a deep enough understanding of a concept that a novel idea can percolate and heuristic problem solving emerge. Exposure to and experience with the arts allows children to create, design, generate, and compose new ideas, further developing the creative thinking inherent in young children.

Color as a Catalyst

If navigated intentionally, learning about color can help children develop vocabulary, complex thinking, and keen observation. Use a variety of tactile experiences to help your preschooler gain an understanding of the nuances of color that will be missed if left to a computer program or flashcards.

• Take a nature walk to collect leaves in various shades of green. On your walk, point out that just as family members have different names, so do colors. Hunter, emerald, moss, mint, fern, celadon, and avocado more accurately describe the many hues of green. Talk to your child about the variations of color in leaves when they are in the shade or in the sunlight.
• Ask open-ended questions about the colors: What are all the fruits and veggies you can think of that are in the green family? What if all animals, houses, streets, and buildings were green, too?
• Experiment with paints to create new shades and tints. Let your child mix yellow and red paints. After some time, introduce white so your child can see the colors soften or add bits of black and see shades of orange emerge. For a fun warm-weather activity, fill one water bottle with yellow food coloring and water and another with red food coloring and water. Allow your child to spray the colors on sand, paper towels, or cloth to see the colors blend and create orange.
• Take a twilight stroll and notice the changing colors of the sky. Talking about color in a wide variety of situations increases your child’s environmental awareness and ability to make connections: “The sky at dusk reminds me of the rainbow sherbet that we had for dessert. Stick out your tongue and see if you can taste the sky!”

Exploring color using accurate vocabulary and connections to real things will help your child internalize a deeper understanding of a concept that many adults understand only at a cursory level. As your child thinks deeply about color and observes it intentionally through a variety of experiences, she gains new perspectives on her rapidly expanding world.

Art Museums Develop Observational Skills

Young children can enjoy art museums! Focus on the whimsical and magical, nature and animals, and other topics of interest to your child. Don’t try to do the whole museum in one visit. Many museums have free admission one day per week, and family memberships are often more affordable than a day rate.

• Read about art before heading to the museum. Gladys Blizzard’s wonderful Come Look with Me series introduces children to magnificent works of art found in museums throughout the world. Thoughtful text provides examples of conversations to have with your child to enhance his curiosity and enjoyment of artwork.
• When looking at paintings, sculpture, statues, photographs and other art forms, talk to your child about what he sees and thinks. Looking at Homer Winslow’s Boy Fishing , you might comment , “I wonder if that fish got away or if he kept it. Why do you think Homer Winslow painted so many pictures of people fishing? How else could the boy catch that fish? Do you think girls like to fish too? What are all the ways you can think of to catch a fish?”
• Play “I spy.” Challenge one another to find hidden objects in the museum’s paintings. Or, start a series of “wonderings” about a painting. Landscape paintings lend themselves nicely to wonderings: “I wonder what is down that path. Where would you like to play if you lived in that cabin by the river? Do you think someone was roasting marshmallows at that campfire?”

Exploring Art Around You

Before children learn to read and write, exposure to the arts enables them to express representative and abstract thinking. They learn to see things through a lens that is uniquely theirs. They learn that there is no right or wrong way to create. By examining and making a variety of artwork, including abstract art, children learn that people are individuals with unique expressions of ideas and emotions.  

To nurture these qualities in their children, parents can:

• Draw together. Young children will not be able to recreate realistic drawings, but they will delight in naming their scribbles and dictating stories to you to record their meaning.
• Explore Audubon’s paintings of birds. After, gather dried grass, leaves, and twigs to mix with mud and shape into birds’ nests and set the mixture in the sun to bake. Roll eggs out of clay or homemade dough to display in the nest. Be sure to identify the types of eggs they are and name their color! Don’t be concerned if your child doesn’t have the science right. The idea is that you are posing a question that requires critical thinking.
• Display posters and your child’s own artwork. Make sure to post them to the lower half walls so your child can see! Talk about the art the way you might at the museum.
• Provide a variety of materials to explore. Talk about your own process as you create, and make sure to also point out features of your child’s process without making judgment: “I notice that you like to draw spirals in your clouds. That’s interesting.”
• Take photos on your walks. Zoom in on plants, flowers, and objects so that only a portion shows in one photo. In a second photo, zoom out so that it becomes clear what the object is. Mount the photos back to back in a booklet so that your child can see how viewpoints change.

A Lifetime of Creative Problem Solving

Creative expression in the arts is as natural and developmentally necessary for children as fresh air and sunshine. Through the arts, children learn the fundamental process of discovering and imagining, originating and problem solving, thinking and creating. And as a parent, you are your child’s most important teacher. The conversations you have will help your child develop thinking skills that will last his lifetime.

Karen Morse holds a Master of Arts in Special Education with an emphasis on the gifted learner. With years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and mother of gifted children, she is currently an education consultant for Alternative Education Solutions, specializing in curriculum/program development, professional development, homeschooling/school placement, student advocacy, and gifted programming.

The views expressed herein represent the opinions of the author and not necessarily the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.

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Critical Thinking: Where to Begin

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If you are new to critical thinking or wish to deepen your conception of it, we recommend you review the content below and bookmark this page for future reference.

Our Conception of Critical Thinking...

"Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness..."

"Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fairminded way. People who think critically attempt, with consistent and conscious effort, to live rationally, reasonably, and empathically. They are keenly aware of the inherently flawed nature of human thinking when left unchecked. They strive to diminish the power of their egocentric and sociocentric tendencies. They use the intellectual tools that critical thinking offers – concepts and principles that enable them to analyze, assess, and improve thinking. They work diligently to develop the intellectual virtues of intellectual integrity, intellectual humility, intellectual civility, intellectual empathy, intellectual sense of justice and confidence in reason. They realize that no matter how skilled they are as thinkers, they can always improve their reasoning abilities and they will at times fall prey to mistakes in reasoning, human irrationality, prejudices, biases, distortions, uncritically accepted social rules and taboos, self-interest, and vested interest.

They strive to improve the world in whatever ways they can and contribute to a more rational, civilized society. At the same time, they recognize the complexities often inherent in doing so. They strive never to think simplistically about complicated issues and always to consider the rights and needs of relevant others. They recognize the complexities in developing as thinkers, and commit themselves to life-long practice toward self-improvement. They embody the Socratic principle: The unexamined life is not worth living , because they realize that many unexamined lives together result in an uncritical, unjust, dangerous world."

Why Critical Thinking?

The Problem:

Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed, or down-right prejudiced. Yet the quality of our lives and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated.

A Brief Definition:

Critical thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it. The Result: 

  A well-cultivated critical thinker:

• raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely;
• gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively;
• comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards;
• thinks openmindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
• communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.

Critical thinking is, in short, self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It requires rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to overcoming our native egocentrism and sociocentrism. Read more about our concept of critical thinking .

The Essential Dimensions of Critical Thinking

Our conception of critical thinking is based on the substantive approach developed by Dr. Richard Paul and his colleagues at the Center and Foundation for Critical Thinking over multiple decades. It is relevant to every subject, discipline, and profession, and to reasoning through the problems of everyday life. It entails five essential dimensions of critical thinking:

At the left is an overview of the first three dimensions. In sum, the elements or structures of thought enable us to "take our thinking apart" and analyze it. The intellectual standards are used to assess and evaluate the elements. The intellectual traits are dispositions of mind embodied by the fairminded critical thinker. To cultivate the mind, we need command of these essential dimensions, and we need to consistently apply them as we think through the many problems and issues in our lives.

The Elements of Reasoning and Intellectual Standards

To learn more about the elements of thought and how to apply the intellectual standards, check out our interactive model. Simply click on the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page, and explore the model with your mouse.

Why the Analysis of Thinking Is Important If you want to think well, you must understand at least the rudiments of thought, the most basic structures out of which all thinking is made. You must learn how to take thinking apart. Analyzing the Logic of a Subject When we understand the elements of reasoning, we realize that all subjects, all disciplines, have a fundamental logic defined by the structures of thought embedded within them. Therefore, to lay bare a subject’s most fundamental logic, we should begin with these questions:

Going Deeper...

The Critical Thinking Bookstore  

Our online bookstore houses numerous books and teacher's manuals , Thinker's Guides , videos , and other educational materials .  

Learn From Our Fellows and Scholars

Watch our Event Calendar , which provides an overview of all upcoming conferences and academies hosted by the Foundation for Critical Thinking. Clicking an entry on the Event Calendar will bring up that event's details, and the option to register. For those interested in online learning, the Foundation offers accredited online courses in critical thinking for both educators and the general public, as well as an online test for evaluating basic comprehension of critical thinking concepts . We are in the process of developing more online learning tools and tests to offer the community.  

Utilizing this Website

This website contains large amounts research and an online library of articles , both of which are freely available to the public. We also invite you to become a member of the Critical Thinking Community , where you will gain access to more tools and materials.  If you cannot locate a resource on a specific topic or concept, try searching for it using our Search Tool . The Search Tool is at the upper-right of every page on the website.

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What Are Critical Thinking Skills and Why Are They Important?

Learn what critical thinking skills are, why they’re important, and how to develop and apply them in your workplace and everyday life.

We often use critical thinking skills without even realizing it. When you make a decision, such as which cereal to eat for breakfast, you're using critical thinking to determine the best option for you that day.

Critical thinking is like a muscle that can be exercised and built over time. It is a skill that can help propel your career to new heights. You'll be able to solve workplace issues, use trial and error to troubleshoot ideas, and more.

We'll take you through what it is and some examples so you can begin your journey in mastering this skill.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to interpret, evaluate, and analyze facts and information that are available, to form a judgment or decide if something is right or wrong.

More than just being curious about the world around you, critical thinkers make connections between logical ideas to see the bigger picture. Building your critical thinking skills means being able to advocate your ideas and opinions, present them in a logical fashion, and make decisions for improvement.

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Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking is useful in many areas of your life, including your career. It makes you a well-rounded individual, one who has looked at all of their options and possible solutions before making a choice.

According to the University of the People in California, having critical thinking skills is important because they are [ 1 ]:

Crucial for the economy

Essential for improving language and presentation skills

Very helpful in promoting creativity

Important for self-reflection

The basis of science and democracy 

Critical thinking skills are used every day in a myriad of ways and can be applied to situations such as a CEO approaching a group project or a nurse deciding in which order to treat their patients.

Examples of common critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills differ from individual to individual and are utilized in various ways. Examples of common critical thinking skills include:

Identification of biases: Identifying biases means knowing there are certain people or things that may have an unfair prejudice or influence on the situation at hand. Pointing out these biases helps to remove them from contention when it comes to solving the problem and allows you to see things from a different perspective.

Research: Researching details and facts allows you to be prepared when presenting your information to people. You’ll know exactly what you’re talking about due to the time you’ve spent with the subject material, and you’ll be well-spoken and know what questions to ask to gain more knowledge. When researching, always use credible sources and factual information.

Open-mindedness: Being open-minded when having a conversation or participating in a group activity is crucial to success. Dismissing someone else’s ideas before you’ve heard them will inhibit you from progressing to a solution, and will often create animosity. If you truly want to solve a problem, you need to be willing to hear everyone’s opinions and ideas if you want them to hear yours.

Analysis: Analyzing your research will lead to you having a better understanding of the things you’ve heard and read. As a true critical thinker, you’ll want to seek out the truth and get to the source of issues. It’s important to avoid taking things at face value and always dig deeper.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving is perhaps the most important skill that critical thinkers can possess. The ability to solve issues and bounce back from conflict is what helps you succeed, be a leader, and effect change. One way to properly solve problems is to first recognize there’s a problem that needs solving. By determining the issue at hand, you can then analyze it and come up with several potential solutions.

How to develop critical thinking skills

You can develop critical thinking skills every day if you approach problems in a logical manner. Here are a few ways you can start your path to improvement:

1. Ask questions.

Be inquisitive about everything. Maintain a neutral perspective and develop a natural curiosity, so you can ask questions that develop your understanding of the situation or task at hand. The more details, facts, and information you have, the better informed you are to make decisions.

2. Practice active listening.

Utilize active listening techniques, which are founded in empathy, to really listen to what the other person is saying. Critical thinking, in part, is the cognitive process of reading the situation: the words coming out of their mouth, their body language, their reactions to your own words. Then, you might paraphrase to clarify what they're saying, so both of you agree you're on the same page.

3. Develop your logic and reasoning.

This is perhaps a more abstract task that requires practice and long-term development. However, think of a schoolteacher assessing the classroom to determine how to energize the lesson. There's options such as playing a game, watching a video, or challenging the students with a reward system. Using logic, you might decide that the reward system will take up too much time and is not an immediate fix. A video is not exactly relevant at this time. So, the teacher decides to play a simple word association game.

Scenarios like this happen every day, so next time, you can be more aware of what will work and what won't. Over time, developing your logic and reasoning will strengthen your critical thinking skills.

Learn tips and tricks on how to become a better critical thinker and problem solver through online courses from notable educational institutions on Coursera. Start with Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking from Duke University or Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Information Age from the University of Michigan.

Article sources

University of the People, “ Why is Critical Thinking Important?: A Survival Guide , https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-is-critical-thinking-important/.” Accessed May 18, 2023.

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Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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August 27, 2019 8 Comments

SPARK: 5 Art Criticism Steps for Inspired Art Connections and Conversations

Inside: Discover SPARK, the complete art criticism and discussion framework that ignites deeper student art connections and more engaging classroom art discussions. Download a SPARK art criticism steps poster and worksheet for your classroom!

Many of us are familiar with the traditional Feldman model of art criticism steps: Description, Analysis, Interpretation, and Evaluation. But this art criticism model has always felt incomplete to me, especially when teaching an art criticism lesson.

Does this scenario sound familiar? You guide your students through the four steps of art criticism as you’ve been taught them. Together, you describe the physical characteristics of the artwork, analyze the artwork using the elements of art and principles of design as a guide, then the students share their interpretations of the artist’s intent. Finally, you ask for their opinions of the artwork–rarely getting a response beyond “I like it” or “I hate it” from most students.

There’s a reason why the four steps of art criticism leads to lackluster lessons and bland conversations. The traditional art criticism model is too focused on the details. The students are missing the forest for the trees. In order to facilitate engaging, meaningful art discussions , we have to focus on the part we already know inspires deep, critical thinking and unique student insights–personal connection.

Art = Form + Theme + Context + Personal Connection

Artworks that stick with us stay in our hearts and minds because we connect with them on a personal level. They speak to us about the world, ourselves, or something we’re going through. We remember them and they change us–how we think or experience the world, inspiring us or giving us a new lens to look through.

My first real art connection came from The Lion King . To bring powerful, personal artwork connections to students the way The Circle of Life did for me, we have to refocus our attention on what our students see when they look at an artwork. That’s why I reinvented the art criticism steps.

Introducing… 

SPARK: 5 Art Criticism Steps for Inspired Art Connections and Engaged Art Discussions

Step 1: See

Look closely at the work of art and note the content, subject matter, and artistic choices that make up the artwork.

Ask: What do you see? How did the artist use the elements of art and principles of design? How would you describe this artwork?

Step 2: Perceive

Dive deeper beneath the surface of the artwork and perceive its emotions, meaning, and messages through your senses.

Ask: What emotions do you feel when looking at this artwork? What is the mood of this artwork? How do you think the artist felt when creating this artwork? Describe this artwork using the five senses.

Step 3: Ask + Answer

Figure out the meaning or message of this artwork by analyzing the artist’s choices and pondering your initial observations.

Ask: What is this artwork about? What are the hidden meanings or messages? What symbols are present in this artwork? What questions would you ask the artist?

Step 4: Reflect

Use your personal experiences, convictions, and emotions to connect with the art to better know yourself and the artwork.

Ask: How can you relate your own life and experiences to this artwork? How might you look at the world or experience the world differently after experiencing this artwork? What can you learn about yourself through this artwork?

Step 5: Know

Use the artwork to learn about history while understanding that it is only one piece of the puzzle. Use observation, critical thinking, art content knowledge, and research to learn what you can about the artwork.

Ask: Who? What? When? Where? Why? What do we know about the person/people who created this artwork based on what we see? Why or for whom did the artist create this artwork and how does that impact the meaning?

Using the SPARK Art Criticism Steps in Your Classroom

When students are asked to think critically about art while considering how it ties in to their own lives and viewpoints, they truly connect with the artwork. The SPARK Framework goes deeper than whether or not students like the artwork. It asks them to consider their worldview and reveals why art matters in their life.

To use the SPARK Art Criticism & Discussion Framework in your classroom, choose an artwork to show your students . Lead a classroom art discussion using the five steps. Ask students to back up their answers to the SPARK questions using evidence from the artwork. Remember, there are no wrong answers as long as your student can back up what they say. Once your students have experienced a few SPARK art discussions, they will be able to use the SPARK worksheet for art criticism.

Free Download

Free Worksheets!

SPARK Art Criticism Framework

SPARK is a complete art criticism and discussion framework that ignites deeper student art connections and more engaging classroom art discussions. Download these free SPARK posters plus a worksheet to use in your classroom!

Mentioned on the Art Class Curator Podcast…

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Reader Interactions

May 12, 2020 at 10:52 am

Hi, I would love to download a copy of the SPARK notes and poster but I can’t seem to get the download button to work. Any advice?

May 15, 2020 at 7:37 pm

You may be experiencing a strong firewall that blocks our links. Contact us at [email protected] and we can get you the resource another way.

March 7, 2021 at 9:54 am

Hi there! LOVE this resource, and would love to download it, but the download button doesn’t seem to be working (?) Excited for the upcoming “Beyond the Surface” series!

March 9, 2021 at 12:29 pm

Thanks so much! The problem has been fixed. You can download now.

October 16, 2021 at 4:52 pm

Can you show us a worked example of how you have used SPARK? Thank you!

October 22, 2021 at 12:46 pm

I recommend our free PD course, Beyond the Surface . You will learn how to utilize SPARK in your classroom.

December 28, 2021 at 10:01 am

I am trying to down the SPARK posters and worksheet, but it doesn’t work. What am I doing wrong?

December 28, 2021 at 3:23 pm

Hmm…I tested it and it seems to work for me, so I am not sure. Just email me at [email protected] and I’ll send the downloads if you were not able to get it to work.

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