University Essay: Expressive Arts, Education, and Child Development

This essay reflects on the role of expressive arts in education, focusing on how educational theories can be used to create effective learning experiences. It begins by discussing the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains of learning, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach. The essay delves into Bloom's Taxonomy, highlighting its significance in shaping teaching styles and promoting cognitive development. It also explores Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and its implications for catering to diverse learning styles, particularly in relation to psychomotor experiences. Furthermore, the essay examines the importance of aesthetic experiences in children's development, advocating for the integration of art from various cultures. It concludes by discussing educational theory as an umbrella term encompassing various learning theories, including constructivism and transformative learning, and their application in the classroom to foster active knowledge creation and critical thinking.

Running head: EXPRESSIVE ARTS IN EDUCATION
EXPRESSIVE ARTS IN EDUCATION
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1
EXPRESSIVE ARTS IN EDUCATION
The domains of learning can be considered as cognitive domain (knowledge),
psychomotor domain (abilities) as well as affective realm (attitudes). To my understanding,
learning is ubiquitous. We have the capacity to learn mental abilities, develop our approaches
as well as obtain new physical abilities as we achieve the activities of the daily living
(Incredibleart.org, 2020). The following paper will provide a reflective piece of my
understanding of educational theory and how it will provide learning experiences that
successfully incorporate the child’s emotional, psychomotor, intellectual, perceptual as well
as aesthetic experiences.
By delving into theoretical understandings of Bloom's Taxonomy, I have gained the
understanding that Bloom’s Taxonomy can serve as an influential tool for shaping the styles
of teaching and learning. By design, Bloom’s Taxonomy has shed light on the child’s
cognitive or intellectual experiences rather than emphasizing on content and instruction.
However, it is vital to note that there is nothing incorrect with lower levels of Bloom’s
taxonomy. Furthermore, by using Bloom’s Spiraling children can start at the similar point
through distinguishing and defining and then ‘move up’ Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Meanwhile, while gathering insights from Gardner theory, I have obtained the
understanding that different kinds of minds contest an educational system that undertakes that
every child can study the same materials in similar way. Thus, unvarying and universal
measure serves to assess student learning. To my understanding through model type of
learning style of Gardner, educators and elevated the psychomotor experiences of children.
Models force choices between motionless, restricted movement and full movement visuals.
According to Cherry (2019), motion of Gardner theory helps to illustrate human performance
which will help children to imitate the movement. Visual media will help teachers to portray
motion in front of children to display psychomotor domain expectations by presenting the
skill as a model and accordingly children can evaluate their performance (D.umn.edu, 2020).

2
EXPRESSIVE ARTS IN EDUCATION
While, aesthetic experience is crucial in developing children, integration of art can act an
awakener of realization and a humanizer of society. Thus, in my opinion, teachers must not
focus on the misconceptions of art integration and hand over a marker to a child to give him
or her scope of learning diverse cultures by making the art such as by creating an Aboriginal
art from Australia or masks from the African region thus shaping the aesthetic experiences
(K, 2020).
To my understanding, educational theory is not a single theory. It serves as an umbrella term
which encompasses numerous theories as well as assumptions of learning and retaining
information. While studying educational theory, I have learnt to focus on constructivism,
transformative learning or educational neuroscience. Constructivist learning activity should
actively involve children in the development of creating knowledge as well as creating
meaning from the world. Hands-on activities are also highly effective for the classroom
presentations of constructivism, critical thinking as well as learning. Share Learning activity
linked to transformational learning will enable children to be creative in ways in which share
their learning.
To conclude, learning cannot be termed as an occasion. It is a process with recurrent
growth and transformation in the brain's architecture that affects from the numerous ways in
which individuals absorb information, process and utilize it.

3
EXPRESSIVE ARTS IN EDUCATION
References
Cherry, K. (2019). Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved 23 January 2020,
from https://www.verywellmind.com/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences-
2795161
D.umn.edu., (2020). DISCIPLINED-BASED ART EDUCATION. Retrieved 23 January
2020, from https://www.d.umn.edu/artedu/dbae.html
Incredibleart.org., (2020). Bloom's Taxonomy for Art - Art Criticism - Higher Order
Thinking Skills. Retrieved 23 January 2020, from
https://www.incredibleart.org/files/blooms2.htm
K, J. (2020). Art Integration for Classroom Teachers. Retrieved 23 January 2020, from
https://minds-in-bloom.com/art-integration-for-classroom-teachers/