Inquiry and Critical Thinking in Art

There are some great writings and research about how inquiry-based instruction can deepen critical thinking and cognitive abilities and Nancy Lampert, an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, recently published her findings in The Journal of the National Art Education Association. I really like the Identity Project she implemented in her study called the Inside/Outside Identity Box. This activity can really give one insight into a child’s perceptions about themselves and how they think the world perceives them. The outside of the box represents how the world sees them and the inside of the box describes how the children see themselves.

 Before creating the box, students complete a worksheet where they write down words to describe how they think others see them and how they see themselves. Next, the critical thinking and problem solving begins. How do students translate these characteristics and traits they wrote down into a visual language using color, shapes, and symbols? For example, how would a child visually represent the idea of being perceived as outgoing and loud? What colors, shapes and symbols can they construct to convey this idea? Here lies a big challenge. There is not one way to illustrate these ideas and I think it is important to teach students about the possibilities and the idea of trial and error. 

There is a wonderful psychological component to this project too that students can reflect on when complete. How does the inside and outside of the box differ? How are they connected? Finally, this project reinforces that we are all unique individuals and no two-identity boxes are alike. According to Lampert, through critical analysis and discussion students were able to make connections between the artwork they made and what it represented, although it was difficult at times to make out what the artist was trying to communicate. I think this project can be very therapeutic and serve as an assessment tool and identify students who may struggle with their identity and self-esteem.

Another good read about inquiry based education is The Art of the Powerful Question, which addresses how to construct and engage with provocative thoughtful questions, rather than focusing on a right answer.

Inquiry based learning is a hot topic and here are some points to keep in mind when
designing a lesson.

• Ask open-ended questions in regards to the theme of your project
• Brainstorm on ideas and information
• Promote discussion around the subject/theme and encourage different points of view
• Encourage students to question and reflect on their own questions
• Make connections with the project/theme to other relevant disciplines
• Foster creativity and imagination
• Emphasize experimentation