Using Art in Adult

Education

*****CREATING

MEANINGFUL LEARNING

EXPERIENCES *****

This presentation provides an overview on the value of using art and creativity in

adult education and trainings programs

In this training we will explore:Key principals of adult learning theory Primary learning styles Value of using art in adult education and training

INTRODUCTION

Adults are internally motivated and self-directed Serve as a guide and be flexible

Adults bring existing knowledge and life experiences Respect ideas and encourage in dialogue

Adults are goal oriented and problem solvers Apply to real life and make relevant

ADULT LEARNING THEORY

Develop a welcoming environment for the training Set the space for ease of conversation among participants Establish respectful communication norms Make participants feel safe

Use relevant material in the training Site real world examples and local items Include current data and/or documents Make the material meaningful

Create opportunity to connect and refl ect during the training Engage participants in small group activity Give participants time to consider the information Make it easy to be thoughtful and share knowledge

“Deve lop ing a we lcoming and comfor tab le a tmosphere , p rov id ing the r igh t mater ia l s , and l ink ing these mater ia l s t o lea rners ’ pas t and fu tu re exper iences a re c r i t i ca l in ass i s t ing adu l t s to lea rn f rom the i r exper iences” (Mer r iam e t a l . , p . 163) .

SET THE STAGE

3 Primary Learning Styles - Design training to engage all

ENGAGE YOU AUDIENCE

Visualgraphics, text and pictures

Auditorylecture, read aloud, audio clips

Kinesthetic hands-on activity, movement in the

room

Use strategies that cross language and/or cultural boarders

Engage all levels of knowledge

Empower participants

Build connections

COMMUNITY BASED TRAINING

Through art community members can

Express what cannot be conveyed in words

Share cultural symbols, images and story

Give vision to new ideas or perspectives

Create opportunity for dialogue

“Imagination is a meaning-making activity in that we put together insights, images, symbols, and ideas in new ways so that new

meaning is revealed” (Merriam et al., p. 206).

COMMUNICATING WITH ART

Art exists in all countries, all cultures, all communities

Art highlights our similarities and details our diff erences

S t reet dancer i n Ind ia Kuna woman in Panama

ART AS A BRIDGE

Process of Making Art Is

Thoughtful and introspective Reflective Expressive Personal

Active and expressive Involves mind and body Communicates emotions Physical and concrete

CREATING IS POWERFUL

Art brings people together

Art bring joy and pleasure

Art make it easier to address a diffi cult subject

ART BUILDS COMMUNITY

Art engages all three learning styles Visual Auditory Kinesthetic

ART AS A TRAINING TOOL

Art gives adults opportunity to Be self-directed Use existing knowledge and life experiences Problem solve

ART AND ADULTS

Adults are self-directed, problem solvers who want training to be meaningful and relevant Art allows adults to direct their activities and solve

problems

Adults learn visually, auditory and through hands-on experience Art engages all learning styles

Community based training for adults must consider culture and help to build connections Art can be culturally relevant and help to build connections

ART AND COMMUNITY BASED TRAINING

Merriam, S.B., Caff arella, R.s., & Baumgartner, L.M. (2007). Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide (3rd. Ed.) San Fancisco: Jossey- Bass

Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic Learning Styles. Retrieved July 13, 2013, from http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles/vakt.html

REFERENCES