What is Teaching for Artistic Behavior?
Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) is an approach to art education that emphasizes student choice, autonomy, and self-directed learning. In a TAB classroom, students are encouraged to explore their own interests and ideas, rather than following a prescribed curriculum or set of assignments.
TAB is based on the belief that all individuals are inherently creative and that art education should focus on nurturing and developing this creativity. By giving students the freedom to choose their own projects and materials, TAB aims to foster a sense of ownership and personal investment in the artistic process.
History and background of Teaching for Artistic Behavior
The roots of Teaching for Artistic Behavior can be traced back to the 1970s, when art educators began to question traditional approaches to teaching art. Influenced by progressive education theories and the work of artists like John Dewey and Elliot Eisner, TAB emerged as a response to the limitations of teacher-centered, skills-based art instruction.
Over the years, TAB has gained popularity among art educators who believe in the importance of student-centered learning and the value of artistic exploration. Today, there are many schools and programs that have adopted TAB principles and practices in their art classrooms.
Key principles of Teaching for Artistic Behavior
The key principles of Teaching for Artistic Behavior include student choice, autonomy, and self-assessment. In a TAB classroom, students are encouraged to choose their own projects, materials, and techniques, based on their individual interests and goals.
TAB also emphasizes the importance of process over product, encouraging students to focus on the creative journey rather than the final outcome. By allowing students to experiment, take risks, and make mistakes, TAB fosters a sense of artistic freedom and exploration.
Another key principle of TAB is the belief that all individuals are capable of making meaningful art. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, TAB empowers students to express themselves authentically and develop their own artistic voice.
Benefits of Teaching for Artistic Behavior in art education
There are many benefits to implementing Teaching for Artistic Behavior in art education. One of the primary benefits is that TAB promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By giving students the freedom to explore and experiment, TAB helps them develop their artistic abilities and confidence.
TAB also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in students’ work. When students are able to choose their own projects and materials, they are more likely to feel invested in their art and motivated to produce high-quality work.
Additionally, TAB promotes collaboration and community-building in the art classroom. By encouraging students to share ideas, give feedback, and support one another, TAB creates a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Implementing Teaching for Artistic Behavior in the classroom
Implementing Teaching for Artistic Behavior in the classroom requires a shift in mindset and teaching practices. Teachers must be willing to relinquish control and trust in their students’ abilities to make meaningful art.
One way to implement TAB is to provide students with a range of materials and resources, allowing them to choose what they need for their projects. Teachers can also offer guidance and support, while giving students the freedom to explore and experiment on their own.
Another important aspect of implementing TAB is creating a supportive and inclusive classroom culture. Teachers should encourage students to share their ideas, give feedback, and collaborate with one another, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.
Criticisms and challenges of Teaching for Artistic Behavior in art education
While Teaching for Artistic Behavior has many benefits, it also faces criticisms and challenges in the field of art education. Some critics argue that TAB can be too open-ended and unstructured, leading to a lack of focus and direction in students’ work.
Others raise concerns about the role of the teacher in a TAB classroom, questioning whether teachers are still necessary if students are directing their own learning. Additionally, some educators worry that TAB may not adequately prepare students for traditional art education settings, where skills-based instruction is more common.
Despite these criticisms, many art educators continue to advocate for Teaching for Artistic Behavior, believing in its ability to foster creativity, independence, and self-expression in students. By embracing the principles of TAB and adapting them to their own teaching practices, educators can create engaging and empowering art experiences for their students.