What is an Art Teacher?
Teachers and students have complementary responsibilities. Teachers develop appropriate instructional strategies to help students achieve the curriculum expectations, as well
as appropriate methods for assessing and evaluating student learning. Teachers bring enthusiasm and varied teaching and assessment approaches to the classroom, addressing different student needs and ensuring sound learning opportunities for every student. Using a variety of instructional, assessment, and evaluation strategies, teachers provide numerous opportunities for students to develop and refine their critical and creative skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills, while engaged in arts activities, projects, and exploration. The activities offered should give students opportunities to relate their knowledge of and skills in the arts to the social, environmental, and economic conditions and concerns of the world in which they live. Such opportunities will motivate students to participate in their communities as responsible and engaged citizens and to become lifelong learners. Teachers can help students understand that the creative process often requires a consider- able expenditure of time and energy and a good deal of perseverance. Teachers can also encourage students to explore alternative solutions and to take the risks necessary to become successful problem solvers and creators of art work. The arts can play a key role in shaping students’ views about life and learning. Since the arts exist in a broader social and historical context, teachers can show students that all of the arts are affected by the values and choices of individuals, and in turn have a significant impact on society. Arts teachers provide students with frequent opportunities to practise and apply new learning and, through regular and varied assessment, give them the specific feedback they need in order to further develop and refine their skills. By assigning tasks that promote the development of higher-order thinking skills, teachers enable students to become thoughtful and effective communicators. In addition, teachers encourage students to think aloud about their own artistic choices, and support them in developing the language and techniques they need to assess their own learning. Opportunities to relate knowledge of and skills in the arts to broader contexts will motivate students to learn in meaningful ways and to become lifelong learners. (Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 & 12, The Arts, 2010) |
What is an Art Therapist?
Art therapists use visual art media to help people who may struggle to communicate verbally or to express their feelings.
People who have been referred to an art therapist do not need to have experience of, or be good at art, it is simply used as a medium for confronting difficult emotions and to help with awareness and self-development. Art therapists work with people of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of settings including:
Therapy may be carried out in group or one-to-one settings and art therapists may work closely with other healthcare professionals. A registered art therapist or art psychotherapist (these titles can be interchangeable), will have undertaken approved training at postgraduate level, and be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), a legal requirement in order to practise in the UK. Typical work activities Activities vary depending on the client and the working environment but can include:
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