The Ultimate Cheatsheet for Critical Thinking

"The Ultimate Cheatsheet for Critical Thinking" has been circulating recently, likely in response to educators feeling the heightened need for students (and everyone) to develop these skills due to the recent fake news epidemic.

The source is https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/, however I saw it on the OAEA's facebook page, as well as on the National Geographic Education's facebook page. Definitely a valuable resource!

- Patrick

Cardboard House Exhibition

I just saw this on the Ontario Art Education Association's Facebook page, it looks like so much fun, and definitely a good STEAM project idea:

http://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/article/amazing-carton-house-exhibition/

- Patrick

Drawing = Curriculum essential

Thanks to the OAEA (and of course the Guardian) for recently posting this article about the value of drawing in the education curriculum- definitely worth a read! 

Drawing skills are increasingly important in our visually dominated culture. Here's a quick quote from the article:

"As a primary visual language, essential for communication and expression, drawing is as important as the development of written and verbal skills. The need to understand the world through visual means would seem more acute than ever; images transcend the barriers of language, and enhance communications in an increasingly globalised world."

As a classroom teacher, I use drawing as way to help students visualize their work, especially when it involves a complex, multi-step process such as constructing an argument in a debate or essay; a research project; a study plan; or even an equation. Drawing is a quick way to get what's in your head on to paper, without having to worry about language, which involves barriers to the thinking process such as conventions, grammar, structure and punctuation. While some learners may be able to express their thoughts and processes through written or spoken language, I have found that many do not possess these abilities and can express themselves more directly through a sketch or a mind-map. 

- Patrick

Neil Degrasse Tyson & David Byrne explaining the importance of art education

Here's a great, quick video of Neil Degrasse Tyson and David Byrne explaining the importance of art education: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/startalk/videos/the-importance-of-art-education/

I think what they are saying is that education/real learning is interdisciplinary in nature. Studying art and science go well together - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. You will become a better engineer or scientist if you study art and you will become a better artist if you study science.

I'm currently developing my first online course (for Blyth Academy Online), and it's a Grade 12 Interdisciplinary Studies course on Museum Studies. It combines visual arts, social sciences, marketing and technology to introduce students to the world of museums and galleries. I'm really enjoying putting it together and it should be up and running by February 2017. More info to come...

Thanks to the OAEA for making it easy for me to find this video!

- Patrick