Creative and Innovative Thinking in the Holistic Development of Students’ Potentials through ‘Sekolah Bitara’ Visual Art Program

Abstract

UPSI-Sekolah Bitara Visual Art Program was a smart, collaborative project involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and SekolahKebangsaanDato’ Kamaruddin, BehrangStesen, Perak. The UPSI’s Sekolah Bitara Visual Art Program was a smart collaborative project held at the SekolahKebangsaanDato’ Kamaruddin, BehrangStesen, Perak. This program was implemented based on the concept of sharing and exchange of the knowledge of visual art involving several teachers and students, aged 8-12. This ‘visual art expression’ program was carried out in several series, which began in 2014 and ended in 2018, consisting of six (6) visual art projects as follows: batik craft, print art, ceramic art, fine metal art, wall murals, and textile art.The program involving art appreciation, textile art, and legacy of art helped exposed students and provided a rich experience for such participants in learning visual art through activities that enhanced their higher-order thinking skills. This six-series project produced 180 visual art works in various disciplines of art, which were put on display at the UPSI’s Art Gallery. In addition, students’ creative wall murals were displayed on the walls of the school building. Surely, such accomplishments signify their innovative and creative thinking that can help develop students holistically with strong intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical attributes, which are in line with the aspirations of the National Education Philosophy. Surely, more efforts of similar nature are required in the future to further enhance such a program to develop students who are highly creative, innovative, and competitive.