The arts make vivid the fact that neither words in their literal form nor numbers exhaust what we can know. The limits of our language do not define the limits of our cognition. --Elliot Eisner, The Arts and the Creation of Mind
Who is Mr. Lancaster? It is with great interest and reflection that I present this portfolio. It is a snapshot showcasing my journey as an Art Educator and my future goals to inspire people to live creatively.
I am an art teacher by personality and influence. As a young person, I was very fortunate that others took interest in my desire to make art. My parents, mentors and teachers all encouraged me to pursue my desires and gifting. It is because of their inspiration, and my love of art, that I became a teacher. I also have found that the teaching profession nurtures four areas in life that are very important to me. From Howard Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences, I’m most drawn to the Visual, Kinesthetic, Existential[i], and Naturalistic[ii] intelligences. These areas of dominance in my personality influence my life and my instruction. In short, I am a visual, busy body who loves philosophy, theology, and the outdoors. |
Interdisciplinary Perspective |
Likewise, the interdisciplinary perspective of any subject is very important to me. I want students to understand how interwoven all of the academic disciplines really are. I minored in Philosophy and started a Theology degree while working as a church minister for seven years. The reality of life shows us that our actions and decisions revolve around our worldview or most basic belief construct. Likewise, our view about Art is closely connected to our worldview or our sense of purpose. It’s even difficult to talk about the values of truth, beauty and goodness without broaching the topics of philosophy or religion.
Students need a “sense of purpose[iii]” or a world-view in which to operate. This crucial developmental asset is widely ignored within the broader context of public education. Students, who lack the sense of “why am I here?” are less motivated, less engaged and rightfully wondering, “What’s the point?” I firmly believe that all learners young and old should know/believe the ends to which they are living. Intrinsic motivation for learning comes from a deep understanding of the “why” we are learning.
I really enjoy watching the creative light bulb turn on in my students’ minds. I want them to understand and gain a new appreciation for the amazing world around them. My hope is that this portfolio reflects this ongoing journey and the future direction of my life as an educator. |
My Background |
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Notes:
[i] Gardner, Multiple Intelligences, pp. 20-1
Existential Intelligence: (“the capacity to raise and reflect on philosophical questions about life, death, and ultimate realities”)
[ii] Natural Intelligence: the classification of the most desirable attributes of artwork, natural observation skills, knowledge of natural beauty, etc.
[iii] http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18
Developmental Assets: Students need a “sense of purpose” or a world-view in which to operate. This belief is supported by research, since 1989 the Search Institute has measured the developmental assets in more that 1 million 6th -12th grade students. Their findings suggest that 40 developmental assets exist that allow adolescents opportunity, success and healthy development. One of the internal assets crucial to healthy development is #39, “Sense of Purpose-Young person reports that ‘my life has a purpose.’”
[i] Gardner, Multiple Intelligences, pp. 20-1
Existential Intelligence: (“the capacity to raise and reflect on philosophical questions about life, death, and ultimate realities”)
[ii] Natural Intelligence: the classification of the most desirable attributes of artwork, natural observation skills, knowledge of natural beauty, etc.
[iii] http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18
Developmental Assets: Students need a “sense of purpose” or a world-view in which to operate. This belief is supported by research, since 1989 the Search Institute has measured the developmental assets in more that 1 million 6th -12th grade students. Their findings suggest that 40 developmental assets exist that allow adolescents opportunity, success and healthy development. One of the internal assets crucial to healthy development is #39, “Sense of Purpose-Young person reports that ‘my life has a purpose.’”