Across the United States, there are many elementary aged students whose parents or themselves are... more Across the United States, there are many elementary aged students whose parents or themselves are from Mexico, Guatemala, and Central America having Mayan heritage. In alignment with instructional concepts that build a positive classroom culture encouraging higher level learning for all students, the authors designed and implemented a curriculum that supported students who need multi-leveled and authentic instruction promoting collaboration and social interaction. Positive relationships were built between students who have varying abilities, including those with physical, cognitive, and language challenges, in order to scaffold learning through cultural awareness connected to mathematics concepts. In the 2015-2016 school year, this school's student population included 74% Hispanic students, most of whom identified with the Mayan culture. The study of ancient civilizations, such as the Maya, can employ historical contexts to introduce elementary level students to the evolution and logic of today's mathematics. As a practitioner focused article, the purpose is to describe an educational experience that was designed to connect students to their culture through interdisciplinary learning with mathematics, visual art, and technology. The goal of the featured lesson is to provide elementary educators with effective teaching strategies that support all students;' learning in mathematics and to engage students to demonstrate their understanding through multiple avenues of expression, including visual arts and through technology. The authors' impressions of how students responded to this interdisciplinary lesson are discussed along with future directions for integrating curriculum that assist teachers in designing culturally connected curriculum.
Encyclopedia of Strategic Leadership and Management
Reflective leadership stories from various fields including, instructional technology, education ... more Reflective leadership stories from various fields including, instructional technology, education and humanities guide the reader to reflect upon practice. Leadership theories that support personal growth, caring, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and creativity are discussed (Bass, 2008). Furthermore, the authors describe how creative leaders can use Communities of Practice (CoPs) as a mechanism to share and build knowledge, solve problems, and foster professional growth and development.
Handbook of Research on Learning Outcomes and Opportunities in the Digital Age
This chapter provides educators with innovative strategies to enhance learning and technology. Th... more This chapter provides educators with innovative strategies to enhance learning and technology. The authors use a variety of creative approaches that integrate interdisciplinary techniques. Such examples include integrating learning theory and technology, creative problem solving through technology, using technology to enhance teaching and learning methods, visualizing information through technology (with art and design), and additional technology tools for practical application. How will technological advancement continue to transform the teaching and learning process in the digital age? As educators explore answers to this question, we consider our present students and their strengths and needs which guide teaching and learning choices in classrooms. The authors of this chapter explore how technology has facilitated greater opportunities for learners to engage in non-linear, interactive, and ubiquitous learning experiences. Strategies and tools that teachers have adapted for pedagogical practices to meet the needs of digital age learners are shared.
Research Review: The Dana Foundation and ArtsConnection
Teaching Artist Journal, 2007
Encircling Creative Expression
Empowering Young Minds Through Communication, Creative Expression, and Human Rights in Refugee Art
Art Education
Despite the United States having a long history of being a receiving country for immigrants (Holl... more Despite the United States having a long history of being a receiving country for immigrants (Hollifield, Martin, & Orrenius, 2014), a greater portion of immigrants that are currently migrating to t...
Reading to babies: Exploring the beginnings of literacy
Journal of Early Childhood Literacy
In this study, the researchers explored the impact of reading aloud on language acquisition for 1... more In this study, the researchers explored the impact of reading aloud on language acquisition for 12 infants and toddlers (6–22 months old) attending a preschool located in South Florida. The research team included university professors, a preschool director and two preschool teachers. A teacher assistant read a selected picture book to each child individually for 10 weeks using scripts with prompts to assess receptive and expressive language. In addition to the book scripts, data collection included parent surveys, observation, developmental checklists, videotaping and field notes. Researchers measured each child's length of engaged time and level of engagement individually and as a whole group. Results indicate that participants demonstrated book preferences in terms of engagement, with the toddlers showing interest in books on familiar topics. Effective read-aloud strategies and techniques for young children are shared to promote the love of literacy.
Multiculturalism through the Visual Arts: A High School Course
Multiculturalism Multiculturalisme, 1983
An Arts-Integrated Approach for Elementary Level Students
Childhood Education, 2007
Engaging Young Writers Through Book Design
Kappa Delta Pi Record, 2015
Abstract Creative book design connects learning in visual arts and language arts. Explore the ben... more Abstract Creative book design connects learning in visual arts and language arts. Explore the benefits of bookmaking and specific steps to create a variety of book formats with children. Examples of imaginative books, such as accordion, flip, paper bag, and pop-up, are shared.
Innovative Collaborative Practice and Reflection in Patient Education, 2015
The author explores the process of healing through the use of artistic writing activities in a jo... more The author explores the process of healing through the use of artistic writing activities in a journal, which promote self-discovery. Techniques that involve art making and writing are shared, such as collaborative drawing and writing, ekphrasis, handmade journals, mandala drawing, marble paper abstract drawing, and sensory printing. Through artistic design, the journey to better understand the self is addressed, emphasizing management of everyday stresses such as those stemming from relationships, roles, and change. Managing these stresses leads towards a healthy life by providing a balance between creative drive and daily obligations. Guided exercises using various media are explained. The process is emphasized, not the end product or artistic merit of the creation. It is through this creative process that tension and stress are released and the joy of discovery becomes a part of life. Individuality is valued through thoughtful reflection of the activities that are embedded in artistic design journals.
International Journal of Adult Vocational Education and Technology, 2015
In this paper, the author describes philosophical concepts of adult learning and their applicatio... more In this paper, the author describes philosophical concepts of adult learning and their application as integrated with creative problem solving within the context of social justice and human rights. The context is framed by the work of the United Nations (1992) which emphasizes importance of women's roles and creativity in the process of forming a global community. Foundational theories (Gardner, 1999; Greene, 1995; Knowles, 1975; Lawrence, 2005; & Vygotsky, 1978) are connected to support this philosophical approach to adult learning. Creative application examples are shared featuring changes in women's education and subsequently their lives such as, a project guided by artist, Vic Muniz (Walker, Jardim, Harley, & Muniz, 2010) and an arts-based education program that changed the lives of incarcerated women in one female correctional facility (Mullen, 1999). The goal of this paper is to provide examples of how creativity and arts-based learning can be integrated within adult e...
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Papers by Susannah Brown