Humanizing Learning Through Arts-Oriented Community-Building: An A/r/tographic Quilting Inquiry

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Arts based educational research methods and methodologies

Abstract

Through a/r/tographic quilting, we reflect on the impact of arts-oriented community-building practices on students in an arts education course. We believe community-building engenders artistic and scholarly risk-taking, supports content retention, and cultivates feelings of belonging among students. These practices were both curriculum and pedagogy for preservice teachers as they reflected on them as part of their future teaching practice. Our multimedia quilt invites discussion of how these activities could enliven learning in other classrooms. At a time when education contexts are ravaged by extreme politics, arts-oriented community-building practices can support students’ feelings of safety, welcome, even love, in a classroom. These humanizing learning experiences provide ample opportunity for our students to reenvision what is possible in a classroom.

Authors

• Karenanna Boyle Creps, Michigan State University

• Anthony Dickson, Michigan State University

• Dominic Hateka, Michigan State University