Reflection: Art and Cognition

http://ashiro.posterous.com/left-brain-right-brain-art-and

Week 5
Wow - where do I begin with this post?  The arts are so important to education in so many ways!

Let's begin with the brain.  In short, experiencing and creating art is a whole-brain process. The mid-brain organizes and sends information, the parietal area processes the spacial layout, the temporal lobes process names and memory, the occipital lobe processes color, movement and form.   When we take in a visual image, it flows through the retina and optic nerves for processing and then connects with cognition and memory to double-check and filter the information.  Recall is used to help make sense of the information.

Memory and recall, cause and effect, interpreting the world around us, interpreting and relaying information, the use of fine motor skills, reciprocal communication, sensory exploration.... these are all important aspects of child development and educational learning.  Visual learning and arts education can include many of these aspects and can only enhance a child's learning.

The implications of brain theory are very important for students with disabilities.  Children who have autism, learning disabilities, and other processing disorders may have problems with the connections between different areas of the brain.  If viewing, experiencing and creating art accesses many parts of the brain... then the whole-brain experience would be beneficial to exercise cognition for exceptional children.  Some individuals with autism use visual images to help organize and interpret information.  "Thinking in pictures" is a way to attach pictures to pieces of information and helps the individual recall and interpret what is being said.  Temple Grandin has written many books about her personal experiences growing up with autism and "thinking in pictures".  As a side note - she will be speaking in Columbia on October 13th.

Integration of the arts into the curriculum can foster teamwork, community building and global awareness.  Students may feel more connected to their learning when they have the opportunity to explore their personal interests through art projects. The fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, social skills, and complex-thinking that are utilized in the art room are important to improving academic achievement and for future professional achievement.

Sense of self -- all students have the opportunity to succeed in the art room.  This is especially significant for students with language barriers, students with physical or mental impairments and students who may be at-risk emotionally or academically.  Students can gain a sense of empowerment when they have the opportunity to clarify their ideas visually and gain self-confidence when they are encouraged in the art room.