The Impact of Arts on Learning Carmen G. Burgos Extension Specialist, Volunteer Development Justin Crowe Extension Specialist, Civic Engagement Extension - 4-H Youth Development University of Tennessee

Purpose Create awareness of: - research, reports and resources available - how the arts impact learning Provide research based support for 4-H youth programming efforts related to arts. Encourage careful selections and preparation for meaningful experiences and activities Learning to learn can be hard FUN WORK

Research… “ Research reveals that when young people (both general and at-risk populations) study arts they show: heightened academic standing, a strong capacity for self-assessment, and a secure sense of their own ability to plan and work for a positive future.”

Arts education can: Reach students on the margins of the educational system. Reach students on the margins of the educational system. Create an effective learning environment. Create an effective learning environment. Connect learner’s experiences to the world outside of school. Connect learner’s experiences to the world outside of school.

Students introduced to arts education have heightened soft skills such as creative thinking, fluency, originality, and elaboration. Students introduced to arts education have heightened soft skills such as creative thinking, fluency, originality, and elaboration. Key competencies of cognitive growth identified to be developed through the arts include: Key competencies of cognitive growth identified to be developed through the arts include: * perception of relationships * skills in finding multiple solutions to a problem * attention to details * adaptability * decision making skills *visualization of goals and outcomes.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge” Albert Einstein

Statement for thought… “Business leaders and analysts tell us that imagination, innovation and creativity are the primary skills that will keep America competitive in the global economy.” Richard J. Deasy Director, Arts Education Partnership

Question…. With the research available, why are the arts still considered the frills in school curriculum and are the first to be cut when funding is low ? With the research available, why are the arts still considered the frills in school curriculum and are the first to be cut when funding is low ?

What does this mean for you? When schools can’t … 4-H can !!! 4-H can !!!

What can we do for best results?  Be prepared.  Identify targeted life skills in project.  Provide hands on activities.  Utilize the experiential learning model.  Find “art people” resources in your community.  Select projects with a purpose.  Challenge youth to try new experiences.

 Learn, Enjoy and Have Fun!  Make connections

Questions?

Challenge  Be an element of transformation – utilize this contemporary perspective through our traditional projects and provide a setting for essential experiences in youth development.  Be an advocate for the arts in youth development!  Plan with purpose as well as fun… utilize experiential learning and learning skills.  Help youth fully internalize the interrelatedness of activities and learning.  Identify volunteers that can assist and expand this aspect of programming!  Consider how the arts can complement and enhance SET abilities and skills. Make the connections!

Thank You!