If you are a parent, have you ever thought that your child
could successfully learn geometry through poetry ? History
through role-playing? Grammar through photography?
There is more than one way to learn and Learning Through
the Arts (LTTA), based in Toronto, is radically changing
the face of the way we present information to children.
In times past, children were taught via the traditional
method: child sits at desk and listens to teacher, copies
said information off the board and takes it home and memorizes
it. Sound familiar? The problem with this model is that not
all children learn in this way. It’s not very interesting
either - haven’t you wondered why many children are
labeled ”difficult” “hyper” or “ “challenged”?
Maybe it’s because they aren’t challenged by
present teaching methods. Perhaps you remember moments of
utter boredom from your school days, when you wondered why
school couldn’t be more interesting.
Agents for Change
Learning through the Arts (LTTA) is revolutionizing the way
information is presented. For the past 11 years, LTTA has
brought its unique and effective programs into schools
across Canada.
LTTA is the brainchild of Angela Elster, LTTA's Executive
Director. Learning Through the Arts was created in 1994 by
the Royal Conservatory of Music, a 118-year-old organization
best known for developing a uniquely Canadian response to
the challenge of providing musical education for communities
at a time when few possibilities existed. Learning Through
the Arts offers a way forward for young people who have struggled
to learn new concepts through traditional means such as books
or lectures. By exploring new ideas in imaginative, hands-on
ways (making images, creating dances, telling stories or
singing songs), LTTA students master the curriculum in all
subject areas and gain an enthusiasm for learning at the
same time.
The results are impressive. According to Jennifer Birch,
Marketing Coordinator for LTTA,
“A five year study by the Ontario Institute for Studies
in Education, University of Toronto, found that LTTA offers
proven benefits for students and schools. The study reported
that LTTA students produce written work of higher quality.
They make more frequent and better use of the library and
the internet. They learn to respect their teachers and fellow
students. They cause fewer incidents of behavioral
disruption, leading to an increase in the class time spent
on instruction. These improved student attitudes lead to
higher scores in standardized tests.“
How does it work?
Lori Sherritt is an Artist Educator for LTTA. She plans
for 3 visits to one school. Her class starts with a warm
up for the students that threads naturally into the lesson.
The lesson moves into a development, application and closure
stage where students explore the intricacies of anything
from science to math to social studies or language arts
through a specific art form.
Lori says, “Students learn by singing, dancing, writing, acting and creating
their subject matter. It doesn't change the curriculum, it simply makes it more
accessible to all forms of learners. Students can take ownership of what they
create and use all of their senses to understand various subjects. The prospects
and approaches are unlimited.“
A recent program with a class involved learning geometry
through poetry and music, “We
pushed all of the desks to the side. We started with select angles and terms,
and used rhythms as a base to represent angles. Students were introduced to various
angles such as obtuse, supplementary, complementary, and were asked to come up
with a rhythm that represented each angle. They were asked to add lyrics, and
a phrase that incorporated the definition of the angle. The following week, when
asked what angles they had studied, some students answered right away, while
others clapped their rhythm and recited their lyrics first. The learning had
manifested.”
Currently, LTTA is in over 300 Canadian Schools. By 2007,
LTTA will be in 500 schools nationwide and will expand internationally
in more than 11 countries. They have pilot projects in the
UK and USA.
Jennifer notes, “The impact of the program extends
far beyond the academic area. Students gain the means to
connect with their parents, to discover their cultural roots
and develop a strong sense of purpose.”
Lori agrees, “LTTA is a diverse program that addresses
and provides the opportunity to explore many learning styles.
It encourages self-expression and engages the whole child,
applying body, mind and spirit. It empowers children on many
levels and takes all involved on a journey of self-discovery. “
Note for Educators and Parents: If
you are interested in having Learning Through the Arts at
your school, visit:
http://www.ltta.ca/
Editor's Note: This is the first in a 2-part series on progressive
education programs in our "new literacy" era.
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