Teaching Abstract Art Through Nonfiction Texts and Benefits of Incorporating Technology

 Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

Abstract art, often known as "abstract expressionism," is a style of artwork that lacks a recognized topic and does not depict scenes from everyday life (Twinkl, n.d.). For high school pupils, particularly those with diverse reading abilities and learning requirements, it can be a difficult subject. As an art educator, Mr. Stevens aims to use nonfiction literature and technology to increase the unit's accessibility and engagement for all students. However, Mr Stevens must keep in mind that his curriculum objectives, pedagogical knowledge, and student's needs and interests should all be taken into account when deciding how to employ technology in the classroom (Hamilton, 2018). In this essay, we will choose one nonfiction literature that Mr. Stevens can utilize for this unit, describe it, and suggest teaching methods for it. We'll also point out and discuss one method Mr. Stevens might use technology to enhance the instruction of a second nonfiction book. Finally, we'll look at how using technology to teach nonfiction literature might be advantageous for students.

Mr. Stevens's Favorite Nonfiction Text and Teaching Strategies

The nonfiction book "Abstract Art for Dummies" by Leah Fanning is one that Mr. Stevens can use for this unit. This text offers a thorough introduction to abstract art in simple language, making it a great resource for students with various reading levels. The book discusses a variety of subjects, including the evolution of abstract art, its many production methods, and its interpretation.

Mr. Stevens can utilize a variety of teaching techniques to make this work understandable to all pupils when he teaches it. He can start by compiling a list of words that are important to understand from the text, such as "abstract," "expressionism," and "minimalism." Also, Mr. Stevens can employ a jigsaw exercise to motivate students to read and summarize various passages of the text collectively. After that, students can present their summaries to the class, which will spark a discussion about the main points of the text. Mr. Stevens can also offer diagrams and pictures as visual aids to help students comprehend the ideas covered in the text.

One Way Mr. Stevens Can Incorporate Technology in the Teaching of a Second Nonfiction Text

Using digital resources like online articles, videos, and interactive multimedia resources is one method Mr. Stevens can integrate technology into the instruction of a second nonfiction text. For instance, he can research various facets of abstract art, such as the function of colour, shape, and form in producing abstract works, using internet publications from renowned art journals and websites. To provide students with a deeper grasp of the creative process and the numerous approaches used by artists to make abstract works, he can also use films of art demonstrations and interviews with modern abstract artists. Online quizzes and games are interactive multimedia resources that can be utilized to engage and motivate students while reinforcing important ideas.

The Potential Student Benefits of Incorporating Technology

Although integrating technology into the teaching of nonfiction texts has the potential to benefit students in several ways, doing so demands a different level of thinking from teachers, who must grasp how its tools may support the educational goals of their curriculum (Hamilton, 2018). The first benefit of technology is that it can give students access to a larger variety of information and resources that they might not otherwise have had, like online articles, films, and interactive multimedia tools. Students' perspectives may be widened and their knowledge of the subject topic may be increased as a result. Second, using technology can make abstract ideas easier for students with different learning styles to access and comprehend. Students who may have trouble understanding traditional teaching methods may find it easier to understand and relate to abstract art when using visual aids and interactive multimedia content. Also, technology may make learning for students more interesting and participatory because they can utilize digital tools to investigate and participate in the subject in many ways through collaboration and communication (American University, 2022). This can encourage pupils and improve their enjoyment and effectiveness of the learning process. While digital tools may be modified to fit various learning styles and aptitudes, integrating technology into the teaching of nonfiction books can also aid in catering to the unique learning needs and preferences of students (Mittha, 2021). Finally, technology can assist close the gap between students' varying reading levels by enabling all students to access the same content regardless of their reading proficiency and fostering their capacity to think critically, understand new ideas, and express themselves creatively (Emma, 2018).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mr. Stevens can give his students a more comprehensive and interesting learning experience by utilizing "Understanding Abstract Art" and technology. Students with various reading levels and learning requirements can find abstract art more relatable and approachable by using the tactics described in this study. Mr. Stevens can make learning more interactive and interesting by utilizing technology and inspiring students to actively participate in the class. The advantages of using technology in the instruction of nonfiction literature could improve learning and give students a more immersive and interesting educational experience.

 

References

American University. (2022, October 28). How Important Is Technology in Education? School of Education Online. https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/technology-in-education/

Emma. (2018, January 16). How to Use Technology for Different Learning Styles. LearnSafe. https://learnsafe.com/how-to-use-technology-for-different-learning-styles/#:~:text=Technology%20has%20become%20an%20integral,%3A%20visual%2C%20auditory%20and%20kinesthetic.

Hamilton, B. (2018). Integrating technology in the classroom: Tools to meet the need of every student. Retrieved from eBook Central (accessed through LIRN).

Mittha, C. (2021, August 23). 7 benefits of technology in the classroom. Adobe Blog. https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2021/08/23/7-benefits-of-technology-in-the-classroom

Twinkl. (n.d.). What is Abstract Art? https://www.twinkl.com/teaching-wiki/abstract-art