In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, the role of ‘Art Education in fostering Social Emotional Learning (SEL)’ has gained major prominence. In this context, we are delighted to present below, an interview with Mr. Mohammad Farooq Fazili, Founder & Chairperson, Dolphin International School & KCEF Law & B.Ed College, Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Fazili discusses the significance of SEL and art education, emphasizing the critical need to integrate these aspects into the curriculum. He elaborates on Dolphin International School’s strategies for leveraging art education to foster socio-emotional learning, sharing valuable perspectives that highlight the positive impact of art-based activities on students’ emotional intelligence and social skills. Let’s explore the transformative power of art education in nurturing holistic development and fostering a positive school culture.
Dolphin International School, Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
Can you explain the meaning and significance of SEL and art education, and why integrating these aspects into the curriculum is important? How does your school utilize art education to promote socio-emotional learning (SEL)?
In today’s information-rich world, children require more than just traditional education. They are constantly exposed to a plethora of stimuli, some of which may not be suitable for their age, leading to emotional instability. This is where Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and art education come into play, serving as tools to help children manage their emotions effectively.
SEL imparts essential skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, all of which are crucial for navigating today’s world. Art education complements SEL by offering a non-judgmental space for children to express themselves, further reinforcing the principles of SEL. Thus, both SEL and art education play a pivotal role in preparing children for the challenges of the modern world.
Students taking part in ‘Art Education’ activities.
How do you integrate art-based activities into the curriculum, at your school, to enhance students’ emotional intelligence and social skills?
In 2020, the University of West England funded a research project at Dolphin, focusing on the use of art therapy to create a psychologically safe space for children. This group-based project spanned over a period of 10 months, significantly enhancing the children’s ability to express themselves emotionally and socially.
Building on this, the school’s educators were trained to incorporate art therapy into their curriculum. This innovative approach not only made learning more enjoyable but also fostered the children’s creative and emotional growth.
Dolphin International School, Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
Could you share some successful examples or case studies where art education has positively impacted students’ socio-emotional development?
The research initiative sponsored by the University of West England resulted in several publications centred on the children’s work. One such study focused on the utilization of coping strategies, revealing that the children were now more adept at employing these mechanisms instead of remaining silent. Furthermore, the project helped transform the participating children into more extroverted individuals. This transformation was largely due to their ability to express their stories through art and exhibit their creations globally.
Students taking part in an ‘Art Exhibition’.
In what ways does art education contribute to fostering a positive school culture and inclusive learning environment?
The conventional mode of expression primarily relies on words to articulate oneself. However, as the well-known saying goes, “Words often fail us.” In contrast, art education employs colours as a medium of expression, and colours never disappoint. Colors resonate emotionally with individuals, enabling them to convey emotions more effectively than words. Thus, advocating for art education equates to championing a form of expression that transcends the confines of verbal language.
What strategies or approaches does your school use to encourage creativity and self-expression through art?
The school has implemented several strategies to foster creativity and self-expression through art:
- Art-Based Therapy: The school initiated a research project funded by the University of West England, which used art-based therapy to provide children with a psychologically safe space. This approach allowed children to express their emotions and thoughts freely through their artwork.
- Integration of Art Therapy in the Curriculum: The teachers were trained to incorporate art therapy into their curriculum. This innovative approach made learning more enjoyable and fostered the children’s creative and emotional growth.
- Exhibition of Artwork: The children’s artwork was showcased around the world. This not only boosted their confidence but also provided them with a platform to express themselves and share their stories.
Students Presenting to the Class.
How do you assess and measure the impact of art education on students’ socio-emotional growth and well-being?
Dolphin holds the conviction that the impact of art education and social-emotional learning cannot be measured in a matter of days. We believe that such endeavours demand time and patience. It is through this sustained effort that we witness a transformation in the children’s behaviour and their ability to bounce back emotionally.
Students taking part in ‘Art Education’ activities.
Looking ahead, what future initiatives or programs does your school plan to implement to further leverage art education for socio-emotional learning?
A teacher and a counsellor from Dolphin have recently completed an intensive training program on Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Following this training, these two school representatives will implement the SEL curriculum for students in grades 6 and 7. The SEL curriculum, grounded in the principles of expressive arts, aims to enhance self-awareness among students by fostering a sense of safety, offering choices, and encouraging reflection. This approach aligns with Dolphin’s commitment to nurturing emotional resilience and self-expression in students through art and social-emotional learning.
