The Future of Education

Art is perhaps the most under-used resource in language teaching. Art and design are everywhere.Art provides us teachers with an opportunity to create lessons that will live long in our student's memories. Working with art leads to a much freer use of language than in most classrooms. This is because art provokes the wish to communicate subtle meanings and deep thoughts and becuase the atmosphere of the art-based classroom is quantitively different:experimentation is important;cooperating with fellow students is important;sharing ideas and responses is important; and it is easy to communicate when there is so much to say. Art in class will encourage students to be imaginative and will provide a stimulus, which can be talked about in a way that no other stimulus can. Integrating spatial activities throughout the curriculum is a way to develop, support and cultivate this intelligence. It is important to note that all students possess spatial ability in varying degrees. Spatial potential can be developed, nurtured and improved. Herein lies our challenge. The realm of Spatial Intelligence involves array of behaviours and abilities. This dominion is one of colours, shapes, patterns,designs, textures and pictures. Learners relish opportunities to engage their talents and minds by experimenting with a variety of art materials and strategies, no matterthe subject area. These spatial experiences should also include occasions to develop visual perception and enhance visual processing, while facilitating an appreciation for art.