Arts-Based Exploration of Learning II
“I think I went into the drawing thinking I would humor the process but not thinking I would get much out of it. Instead, I found it incredibly impactful in changing the way I view my own ability and the way in which I view the abilities of those around me.” Autumn 2022 DEA Student
We invite you again this week to pause and explore what you have learned over the past few weeks. We are always particularly interested in what has surprised you. We are interested in what may (or may not) have changed in your understanding of (dis)ability, your understanding of the cultural worlds in which the ideas of ability and disability are created, and your understanding of your own perceptions and beliefs. So, again we invite you to undertake an arts-based exploration of your learning in the course, focusing in particular on the last three weeks of the course. As before, we do expect you to do the Encounter assignments and Interact Discussion from this module—they are important and valuable. But instead of Explorations and a DWL, please use this second ABEL process to further explore and reflect on what and how you are learning in the course. We invite you, particularly, to take some risks in exploring what the art-making process itself can teach you about the ideas and experiences you are exploring, and about yourself. Your unique perspective is likely something that cannot be captured in an assortment of common images. Push deeper to find your voice that defines authentically what you feel, think, and know about you.
Here are the guidelines for this “Arts-Based Exploration of Learning II” (ABEL II) of your experiences in the course:
Part I
Imaginative Foundation Free Write (15 points): Write a brief descriptive reflection (paragraph of 3-5 sentences) focused on these questions (or others you may prefer to explore):
What are the most important experiences you have had in the course over recent weeks?
What do these experiences mean to you, personally? How have these ideas and experiences impacted the way you view the ideas of “ability” and “disability” in your own life, your history and positionality, particularly within school settings (including the UW!)?
What new questions are arising as you complete this process of reflection and expression related to your learning?
Part II
Expand your reflective process with images and compositions. (15 points): In this part of the assignment we invite you to extend your exploration of art-making and storytelling. You are welcome to do another collage if you like (but do push your experimentation!). You can also make a poem, a musical piece, dance, or any artform. You could create a world in MindCraft! Its up to you. But generally, again, take one or more of the experiences you’ve described in your Part I reflection and explore that experience further through the process of making an image.
Part III
Analysis, Reflection, Commentary (20 points)
Creative Reflection: In a paragraph, describe your artwork and how it relates to your experiences in the course over the past weeks. Explain your choices about the imagery used and how the elements of your image (be they visual, literary, movement, music, etc.) are intended to convey the essence of your experience.
Learning about Learning: In a second paragraph, again comment on what you learned through this activity about your own learning:
How did this activity affect your thinking about or more issues related to (dis)ability, education and the arts?
Comment on what you learned about art making as a resource for exploring and articulating your ideas and experiences. Did this experience extend your learning from the last artwork you created? If so, how?
