Collaboration

Arts Integration, Arts Infusion, Arts Immersion, Arts Enhancement, and Arts Collaboration are all terms that are currently defining an area of arts education that involves the arts and other subject areas or the arts in a unified state. Any attempts at definition of these terms will be subject to intense debate reflected by a current dialogue we are having with the Arts Education leaders in my teaching state of Kentucky. 

Collaborations within the arts and within the subject areas at school can be fabulous and rich! The depth with which a topic can be explored and understood can be exemplified by unique arts creations.  This is supported by the highest level of Blooms Taxonomy revised in 2001. Creation is at the apex of the pyramid of thinking and learning. Hooray!!!

Setting the example of collegial collaboration has improved the esteem granted to my subject area and increased student interest in subject matter. The connections we make educationally are paralleled by the connections the students make and internalize. Excitement is generated by making these connections and improves the depth and breadth of their knowledgebase. Collaboration also exemplifies how deeply subjects can be explored. In an age of 15 second television blurbs of knowledge, I applaud this depth of learning.

My relationships within the school and community environments are enhanced and strengthened working together towards common objectives and common topics. In time, I found that teachers felt comfortable approaching me to ask for this collaboration to enhance a unit they are beginning.  Community members add the element of professionalism and reflect “what’s good about our schools”  to them. Arts professionals began in similar situations and are frequently willing volunteers.
The many and varied models of collaborations excite and interest me in their layers of richness and uniqueness. Let me know what works for you!

 -Dr. Judith Haynes