Putting a Mustache on the 'Mona Lisa': Violating Expectations in Teaching

Authors

  • Dolo Brooking California State University, Dominguez Hills Author

Abstract

This article examines how violating traditional expectations about teaching assists in changing, shaping, and focusing student ability to extract meaning from works of art. The alternative modes of teaching described include heuristics (or inquiry methods) rather than lectures; in-class reading of the artwork as text instead of assigned readings about the artwork; and group presentations based on a modified version of Bloom's Taxonomy (emphasis is placed on posing questions rather than on collecting information or providing answers). Finally, the relationship between inquiry methods and increased creativity is discussed.

Published

2024-03-22