Promoting Inclusivity in Elementary Classroom Through Art Integrated Learning (AIL)

Abstract

Art Integrated learning is an innovative approach of teaching and learning which ensures effective and joyful classroom transaction in order to secure attention of students, to motivate learners, to support active participation of students in classroom process and to enable then to develop their thinking abilities by keeping in mind the individual differences and preferences. Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory (1983) provided a wonderful way to embody an Arts Integration approach that would foster student’s autonomy with a focus on multiple learning styles and abilities. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has also formulated comprehensive guidelines and a framework for the integration of art in pedagogy to create an atmosphere of “experiential and joyful learning” in the classrooms. At this premise this paper makes an attempt to look into the positive aspects of Art Integrated Learning in promoting inclusivity in classroom at elementary level. The thrust areas of this paper are concept and understanding of ‘Arts’ as pedagogical tool, its impact on the holistic learning and development of every child, importance of Art Integrated Learning in promoting inclusivity in classroom and role of teacher/facilitator in promoting inclusivity in classroom through Art integrated learning approach. Further, this paper also advocates that there is an urgent need to orient teachers towards the implementation of Art Integrated Learning in regular classroom in order to promote inclusive education and to attain certain educational goals.