Bernstein Artful Learning
Leonard Bernstein's Artful Learning Model was developed from 1992-1995. It was field-tested beginning in the 1995-96 school year and began full implementation the following year. Eighty of our teachers took advantage of the opportunity to be trained and learn more about this model.
This K-12 comprehensive school reform model and professional development prepared teachers to:
- Use the arts and the artistic process to reinforce teaching and learning in all subjects.
- Develop interdisciplinary units for students aligned with the standards and Understanding by Design (UbD) with a focus on literacy.
- Help all students form a lifelong love of learning.
This teaching model prepares teachers to engage the arts and the artistic process to strengthen teaching and learning in core subjects. Like Leonard Bernstein, students and teachers explore learning itself through the lens of the artist, the mentorship of a teacher, and the discipline of a scholar. The Artful Learning model is taught through a series of ongoing professional workshops and mentoring relationships. It underscores what good teachers know about teaching – that learning springs from engaging experiences – and test scores in Artful Learning schools already prove the validity of this theory.
The model is concept-based, brain-based, and interdisciplinary. Teachers are trained to center their core curriculum instruction in the model’s four components:
Experience Children are introduced to a “masterwork” for exposure to rigorous and important ideas and classic works, creating an engaging experience.
Inquire Children are interested when they are invited to inquire.
Create Children start to love learning when they actually create something. They enjoy active, hands-on involvement in producing something of value.
Reflect Children learn more and can apply it when they reflect thoughtfully through deepening questions on what they understand.
Suggested further reading:
Leonard Bernstein Artful Learning Model - Gettysburg College