In my role as an Associate Teacher at a Fine Arts School, I have championed the integration of arts and humanities in teaching. For instance, in an English class, I created a project-based learning module where students created a mini-theater play to comprehend Shakespeare's works. This activity not merely helped the students to better understand and appreciate Shakespeare, but also provided an avenue for self-expression and collaboration, cultivating creativity and teamwork.
Another effective technique I have employed was using art as a primary source in teaching history. Artifacts were analyzed to understand the prevalent cultural, political, and social trends of the time. This enabled a tangible connection between students and the period under study, allowing for a deeper understanding of the subject matter. I observed increased engagement, retention, and understanding among students through this pedagogical approach.
The integration of arts in humanities education, based on my experience, leads to better comprehension, fosters creativity, encourages critical thinking, and enhances overall student engagement.