How is problem solving/critical thinking taught through art? What are some different strategies you have used to promote problem solving critical thinking?

Improving critical thinking skills is a major foundation of my teaching philosophy. I understand that most of the students I teach do not share the same passion for art that I do. The vast majority will not continue taking art courses after graduating high school. Elevating students' ability to use higher order thinking is one way I can make my class beneficial for the students that don't share my passion for the arts.

During my lessons I ask questions that aim to get students evaluating and analyzing different topics. One strategy that I try to use in the course of every lesson is comparing a successful project to a poorly executed example. I ask students to analyze both pieces and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. I ask them to identify how they are different and attempt to connect what they already know with the projects being observed.

When considering iconography, symbolism, and conceptual work, I might ask students to look at artwork. I let them discuss the work with a partner or small groups, focusing on trying to figure out who the artist was and why they incorporated the elements that they did into the artwork. If we're going to view a piece of work that is loaded with symbols, I may introduce the artist in order to provide some background knowledge. In the next step, we look at the art and have a discussion, using what we know about the artist, to try and connect the symbols in the art back to life of the artist.

As I ask students questions, whether it is to analyze their own work, evaluate a range of ideas, or critique the work of others, I try to keep the questions open ended. I believe that this helps students keep an open mind, so that we can bounce ideas back and forth, opening up the possibility of finding several perspectives through which to look at problems and each others work. These different perspectives help me connect the work to the students, making the activity more relevant to their lives.