Southern New Hampshire University
Research and Persuasion
Professor Foster
June 18th, 2024
ENG 190 Project
7-1
Project Part One: Collection of Sources
The purpose of my research is to investigate the benefits of an arts education for students and how it impacts one’s intellectual and emotional development. I am highly interested in this topic because I feel that an education in the humanities is vital for the development of one’s emotional intelligence, as well as reinforcing the critical thinking skills required in other more-academic topics. This research will allow me to find a balanced and well-versed answer to a common argument about whether we should fund the arts in public schools, or not.
My research question for this project is “How can a well-funded arts education program affect intellectual growth and creativity in education?”, there are many potential answers to this question, but my potential answer to this question is as follows. Based on my research, provided a well-funded arts education to students is important because it allows them to develop emotional and social intelligence, as well as refine their critical thinking skills to do better in other courses, ultimately developing them into a more refined and well-rounded adult.
During this research process, I will use a variety of sources, including sources from art teachers and academic institutions which will undoubtedly have biases of their own, due to pre-existing opinions on the matter; but these institutions are also some of the most respected institutions when it comes to education and the intellectual development of students. Additionally, I would like to use sources that reflect on the opposing arguments against arts education and public funding for it, in order to better understand the conversation as a whole. These diverse perspectives will allow me to not only answer my research question, but also have a wide range of understanding of the topic at-hand and related topics. Additionally, examining a diverse range of perspectives will also allow me to understand how this argument is seen by other cultures and countries than my own.
Source #1
I chose “The Benefits of Arts Education for K-12 Students” because of its focus on the academic benefits of an arts education, especially in its section titled “Bolster Academic Achievement” where it explains the scientifically shown academic achievement achieved by students who’ve received an education in the humanities, as well as the cognitive benefits that impact a developing mind. I believe this source is credible because it backs its data up with peer-review studies and reliable research, as well as experts from the field.
Warner, A. (2022, August 22). The Benefits of Arts Education for K-12 Students [Review of The Benefits of Arts Education for K-12 Students]. US News. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/the-benefits-of-arts-education-for-k-12-students
Source #2
I chose this source “The Relationship of Art and Music Education with Adolescents’ Humor Styles and Interpersonal Problem-Solving Skills” because it represents an academic perspective of the benefits of an education in the humanities; highlighting a distinct connection between a suitable arts education and a child developing a positive sense of humor, and well-developed social skills, as well as more refined problem-solving skills. The only concern I have with this source is that it uses a relatively small sample-size, which could indicate selection biases.
Didin, E., & Koksal Akyol, A. (2017). The Relationship of Art and Music Education with Adolescents’ Humor Styles and Interpersonal Problem-Solving Skills. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1232386
Source #3
I chose the source “Delineating the Benefits of Arts Education for Children’s Socioemotional Development”; because it overviews the many benefits of an arts education on a child’s development. I believe this article provides immense support for my research question because it goes through the benefits in a thorough manner. I believe it is credible because it was released through a credible scientific journal.
Holochwost, S. J., Goldstein, T. R., & Wolf, D. P. (2021, May 12). Delineating the Benefits of Arts Education for Children’s Socioemotional Development [Review of Delineating the Benefits of Arts Education for Children’s Socioemotional Development]. Frontiers; Front. Psychol. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624712/full
Source #4
I chose “Back to School with Arts Education” because it’s a highly credible sources presented by the National Endowment for the Arts, discussing the importance and benefits of an arts education, but more importantly… It’s a large source of information related to the arts and funding efforts made by the U.S government and can be incredibly important for my research to answer my research question.
Back to School with Arts Education. (n.d.). Www.arts.gov. https://www.arts.gov/back-school-arts-education
7-1 Project Part Two: Persuasive Essay With Research
The importance of an arts education has been a debate for generations; with the arguments in-favor of it being expansive; including that students who received an education in the arts show a higher level of critical thinking skills, a more positive social relationship with others and much more healthy ways to express their emotions and creativity. To address the issue of an arts education; the Unted States government must ensure that enough public funding is available to ensure that schools have the means necessary to implement a well-rounded arts-based programs. I am arguing that public funding for arts education should be increased due to the academic, social and emotional benefits it brings to a child’s development. From refining a student’s critical thinking skills, to expanding their creativity, and giving student’s healthy outlets for their emotional well-being.
Increased Academic Performance & Creativity
An education in the humanities will lead to increased performance in other academic subjects and a more expansive sense of creativity. According to Andrew Warner it is imperative that we consider the academic benefits of an arts education if we wish to ensure the healthy and balanced development of students. (Warner, 2022) Some may say that an education in the arts will reduce the focus on academic subjects like Algebra or Natural Science, reducing overall academic achievement. But the opposite has been shown to be true, a 2005 study on the impact of a comprehensive arts education in Columbus, Ohio public schools revealed that students who received an education in the arts actually scored better on statewide math, science and citizenship tests. (Warner, 2022). Additionally, it has been shown that an arts education improves the overall critical thinking skills and sharpness of students.
Healthier Social Relationships
It’s a common argument in today’s world that young people do not socialize enough or get enough time away from the internet and technology. Which isn’t entirely relevant but at the same time it is, education in the humanities introduces students to a wide range of creative outlets and activities. According to Elifcan Didin and Aysel Koksal Akyol, an education in the arts has been shown to create more distinctive and healthy social relationships between peers. (Didin, & Koksal, 2017) Which some may argue that social interaction and relationships aren’t as important as academia and studies, but healthy relationships are the cornerstone of emotional well-being and development. It is imperative that we secure good and well funding for education in the arts to ensure that students have a well-rounded academic and social development.
Healthier Emotional Outlets
Having access to art, music, dance and other all forms of art can be both a freeing and lively form of emotional outlet. Providing students with the tools to allow them to express themselves emotionally in a healthy way can lead to improved academic performance and social interaction. (Holochwost, Goldstein, & Wolf, 2021) An emotionally healthy way to express one’s emotions and thoughts can lead to less stress and improved focus on one’s academic work. If we hope to raise up a healthy and academically successful generation, than we must ensure that the United States government properly funds art-education in the public school system.
In conclusion, it is pretty clear to anyone that the right thing to do is provide funding for a well-rounded arts-based program in the public school system. The United States government must ensure enough funding is allocated to allow for proper funding of an arts education program to reap the benefits of the humanities. To ensure that students do well academically, form strong social relationships and have a healthy emotional outlet.
References
Warner, A. (2022, August 22). The Benefits of Arts Education for K-12 Students [Review of The Benefits of Arts Education for K-12 Students]. US News. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/the-benefits-of-arts-education-for-k-12-students Didin, E., & Koksal Akyol, A. (2017). The Relationship of Art and Music Education with Adolescents’ Humor Styles and Interpersonal Problem Solving Skills. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1232386 Holochwost, S. J., Goldstein, T. R., & Wolf, D. P. (2021, May 12). Delineating the Benefits of Arts Education for Children’s Socioemotional Development [Review of Delineating the Benefits of Arts Education for Children’s Socioemotional Development]. Frontiers; Front. Psychol. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624712/full Back to School with Arts Education. (n.d.). Www.arts.gov. https://www.arts.gov/back-school-arts-education University of Florida. (2020, January 28). The importance of art education in the classroom. MA in Art Education Program Online at UF. https://arteducationmasters.arts.ufl.edu/articles/importance-of-art-education/
