Alanna Gaylord's Art Education Portfolio

Description:

         The Enduring Idea is an Art Education approach that uses broad, umbrella-like ideas that help guide students to understanding universal concepts. The term “enduring idea” refers to common themes that have meaning in the lives of students as well as involve concepts that have drawn attention of people through the ages and embrace what it means to be human and to live alongside others in our contemporary world. Common themes include, but are not limited to: nature, power, aging, meaning, spirituality, celebration, relationships, community, conflict, identity, materialism, play, rituals, emotions, beauty, belonging, etc. Using an enduring idea helps to secure a unit or lesson and establish a rationale of teaching and learning. This approach allows students’ learning to go beyond memorization of facts and to instead focus on larger concepts in greater depth. In order for this approach to be successful, educators need to understand how students learn best, how instruction and assessment need to support these understandings, and how the education of art can provide deep understandings of important or enduring ideas about art and the human experience.

 

Analysis:

         The Enduring Idea is a successful approach because the shift from a discipline-based approach to the focus on “real life” themes, issues, and skills allows students’ learning to be more active and meaningful. The connections made between a plethora of knowledge is important for students to develop deeper understandings instead of simply piling up an endless amount of facts. This approach provides a large overall concept of linking several different themes, which provides students with a strong conceptual learning tool. This approach also enhances students’ abilities to make connections and strengthens their understanding of life concepts as well as it promotes comprehension and skills that prepare students for life in our contemporary world.

 

Reflection:

            The Enduring Idea seems like a constructive and useful approach to educating students about art. I admire this approach because it strives to educate students about art in a way that connects universal themes and concepts. It seems like a useful approach because students will theoretically be able to use their acquired skills and knowledge outside of the school setting. If this approach is taught in an organized and consist manner, I would predict that students’ learning would be very successful and it would be helpful for them in their own human experience in our contemporary world.