Who knows if it enhances "creativity" in the realm of arts, if that's what you're getting at. It may not enhance one's "artistic" creativity, but it's been shown to be a great educational tool for teaching about thinking outside the box, higher learning skills of problem solving, helping underachievers and at risk students find success in ways they haven't previously experienced - all forms of creativity. Arts education is more about creating channels for new ways of thinking and experiencing - probably such as the concept of learning a new language. And by the way, although my field is visual arts, I'm sure you are aware that there is a big correlation between music and math. Ask any muscian if you question this.
Michael: "Blah, blah, blah," is respectful discourse?"
No disrespect meant in terms of "blah, blah, blah" - but I get tired of the usual argument always said about poor artists, jobs, lack of income, etc. and some apples and oranges thinking about arts and sports. It's too linear a discussion and not talking of the broader implications of the arts and arts education. We could go on about the huge financial benefits that the arts create as a whole in communities, but that is a different discussion.
"Don't bet, just present the evidence. Such studies would not be hard to do, but it is critical that they include appropriate controls."
I totally understand and agree - someone can do the study and I'll put down my money and make bets that those children would advance!
"I don't believe that there are any valid studies showing that the Arts have any beneficial effects on brain development over and above other types of equivalent types of instruction."
That's the whole point in a nutshell. There are no equivalent types of instruction!!! When someone says add 1+1 = 2 this is a finite response. When someone says draw this apple or write about a thought - we are not talking about finite ways of teaching or learning.
"Please cite individual primary studies if you want to argue this point. What exactly are "indirect" correlations."
I gave an "indirect" correlation in my other post with our artist residency program at Phillips Community School. I'm thinking globally, you're thinking neurons. The fact that the arts was the biggest success of the year to involve parents to care about what is happening with their children's school is a perfect "indirect" correlation how the arts can effect educational outcomes. Parental involvement equals better education. Can't knock that!.
"After a lot of thought and experience I believe that science and mathematics provide greater benefit to society."
Now them's is fightn' words. With degrees in both visual arts and science, I have to - out and out, totally, strongly, and fundumentally disagree with you on this one! I'd say you are still missing out ... I chose the arts as a career over science (too left brained for me) - maybe I saw all the benefits it had to offer. With both a father and a husband with science backgrounds I believe they would strongly disagree with you too. The arts and science have BOTH strongly effected and benefited society and still do. Talk to any art historian. Sometimes the difference with the arts is that it may be less tangible, or you don't like or understand it, and/or the effects are from your eyes not obvious. Once again, one has to get away from the linear thinking and having this discussion is also talking apples and oranges. If you say the arts could be the downfall of society - I could argue that one too - with science comes technological warfare, toxic polution, etc.
And no, I do agree with you, that arts should not be more important than other subjects - that would be ludicrus, but a balance of all subjects to compliment each other. My guess it was more about miscommunication or interpretation. Or maybe this particular school being off base - I doubt is since they must be up to standards as a public school.
"This seem to be a common, but weak way to defend opinions in education: cite a large number of studies, but fail to identify any individual studies that can be analyzed and critiqued."
I personally have no time (or patience), with grad school, running an organization, and 2 children on my plate. If you are truely interested you could contact some of those links and ask them for the research. I'm not particularly interested in changes in neuron structure, so I'm not the one to turn to. You're going to find large sociological studies is my guess, and not arts and neuroscience.
From a spiral thinking artist (with a science background), Liz Greenbaum Longfellow
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