Upacking Regional Arts Education Day
By Dr. Sarah Tambucci The tradition of the Arts Education Collaborative Regional Arts Education Day is alive and well. This year nearly 140 supporters of arts education gathered to learn, share and celebrate our regional observance.
Dr. Mariale Hardiman was selected to deliver a keynote address that focused on the intersection of brain research and integrated learning. As schools are increasingly faced with less time and more content, the strategy of linking content in meaningful ways is increasingly becoming a common practice. While research supports instructional strategies that help students to make personal meaning and apply new learning to everyday experiences, there continues to be a wide range of practices that vary in effectiveness.
Dr. Hardiman’s presentation received high marks and was described on the day’s evaluation as excellent, relevant and thought provoking. Quoting research findings, the audience sited ways in which they intend to use the information presented and made recommendations for how the AEC might strategize to continue the conversation. Could she return and deliver this message for principals and other administrators? Can the AEC provide more opportunities for us to discuss the practical application of her ideas in our classrooms? Can the AEC make more information, including research, on this important topic available?
Yes, yes and yes. Look for an AEC monograph on Dr. Hardiman’s address. Watch for opportunities to extend the concept of integrated thinking and learning. Engage online with other arts educators in reflecting/reacting to what Dr. Hardiman’s had to say.
Other observations on RAED included specific recommendations for future presenters, formats that extend opportunities
2009 Regional Arts Education Day
for attendees to discuss and process new and/or emerging ideas and extended professional development workshops that focus on the nexus of research and practice. Participants acknowledged the value of the breakout sessions as relevant but also encouraged connecting the keynote to the follow up sessions to allow more time for processing and reflecting.
More time for processing and reflecting. More opportunities for decision-makers to hear the message. More, more, more. Our collective appetite for learning seems insatiable.
Reflecting is a good thing. It helps all of us to learn from experience and plan forward. Let’s plan forward together. Share your insights and perspectives on how RAED can be extended far beyond one day. We invite your input via our message board.
