Avril Aitken is a full professor at Bishop’s University based in Sherbrooke Quebec. She has specific beliefs on education and curriculum. Avril Aitken believes in arts in the curriculum for the aesthetics, embodiment, and well-being. The article “The Arts in Curriculum: Aesthetics, Embodiment and Well-Being” expands on the reasoning and need for art in the curriculum. Art is a form of expression that some students tend to find comfort in. As well all students learn differently, with different strengths, such as visual learns. In many cases, a student is able to express their knowledge through art more accurately than writing a paper. “Leo Tolstoy (1897/2009) sees art as a form of human communication; and according to Charles Taylor (1991), artistic expression is the paradigm mode for self-discovery in the modern era. We are rediscovering our “lost” humanity in, and through, artistic expression.” (The Arts in Curriculum).

Everyone is unique in his or her own way and it is often hard to find ones “authentic voice” through writing and paper work. “Giving art expression means giving expression to one’s original, authentic voice.” Art gives a very powerful voice to the creator “When we express art, we come to know ourselves; when we come to wholeness; when we come to know our wholeness; we come to know our humanity.”(Aitken). Avril believes that arts-based and hands-one exploration and learning can and will benefit both student and educator because it can bring into light important conversations.

For the first assignment, the critical summary, I will start by researching Avril Atiken’s theories’ more thoroughly as well as find other theorist with different viewpoints. I plan to embellish on arts in the curriculum because I truly believe that this is a strong argument and has strong backup. Avril Aitken is a professor herself so it would be interesting to see how she handles her own classroom in such ways.

View of The Arts in Curriculum: Aesthetics, Embodiment and Well-Being (yorku.ca)