Introduction

The assessment criteria for “The Enquiring Mind: Creative Approaches” is a reflective journal on five of the key areas studied throughout the module; the journal will be submitted in blog format. As well as exploring each of the key areas in depth, this blog will also discuss their relevance to 21^st Century Learning; how do they link to the pupil’s enquiry and learning? The five areas, chosen by myself, to research further are:

• The Art vs Science Debate which discusses the connection between the two subject and how the two should be taught linearly in order to exhort the greatest potential from our learners.
• The Leonardo Effect a curriculum design that focuses on a pupil lead learning experience derived from the child like methodology of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Mantle of the Expert a method created by Dorothy Heathcote that encourages children to combine drama with their learning by becoming 'experts' in fields relating to their topic.
• Creative Partnerships are participatory education projects that bring together school children and creative agents to encourage expression through the arts.
• Creative Play develops a child's imagination through the arts to develop confidence and self-esteem.

For ease while pursuing this blog each of the five key areas has been hyperlinked above; or for an over view of the blog please use the labels “Laura” or “The Enquiring Mind”.

Conclusion

I would conclude that from the topics discussed throughout this blog that creativity and inquiry are key to the curriculum in the twenty first century.  The enhancement of the imagination at a young age gives pupils the ability to retain information; they are able to relate what they are learning to their lives.  Child lead learning involves the child and encourages them to gain knowledge in the subjects that they are interested in, and in turn they will also excel in the areas that they may have previously struggled in.  With regards to the art vs science debate, it is easy for me to conclude that they are not separate entities and should not be treated as such; if we are expecting the children of today to be the innovators of tomorrow we must ignite all of their senses and interest to maximise the quality of their future ideas.  With the curriculums designs discussed in this blog, The Leonardo Effect and Mantle of the Expert, the marriage of art and science becomes a reality within the primary setting, and under these frameworks it is possible for our children to achieve maximum attainment.

Reference List
 

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