Page 45 - The story of the Art of Learning

Art of Learning seen from a principal’s perspective
Erika Horváth
headmaster of Pécsi Sebestyén Általános Iskola
It was surprising to us how much the arts can bring to the
lessons. The most attractive part of the programme is that teachers can
work with artists, who bring a completely different perspective into the school. Since they don’t feel the limitations from the curriculum, they are more free in working with the children.
No matter how hard a literature teacher tries, an artist approaches the topics in a more colourful way, from a different point of view. We have tried many times to loosen up the classroom frame with group work and various project works, but in fact we do not always succeed. I think it is because we are not brave enough. Artists are much braver.
Although [taking part in the programme] requires courage, because it is important to change our perspective, it makes it possible to work with children very effectively and in completely different circumstances than in a regular classroom. The fact that a session is not forty-five, but ninety minutes, gives you many more opportunities to try out things and take over the world of thoughts conveyed by the artists.
The children who participate in this programme experience that it is possible to learn in a different way, they are able to show what they are good at, what they need help with, how to cooperate fruitfully, and because they have a sense of mastering and success during the tasks, their
relationships are also developing in another way. Read the full article in Hungarian here.
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