This paper examines the interplay of creativity, education, and the expressive arts. We begin by presenting a narrative literature review focusing on the use of artistic tools to promote creativity, self-expressiveness, and meaningful aspects of emotional and social learning. This review reveals strong connections between the different components…

We propose that writing can be employed to foster the kind of career learning required in the twenty-first century. The article offers insights into how writing exercises and approaches can be applied to help students construct their career stories in a way that allows them to engage in a dialogical learning process and work in a self-directed…

Modern secondary courses in English differ from classical tradition in their tendency to avoid direct instruction in the content and style of writing. Such avoidance is partly a function of anxieties about the role of English in students' personal development and a fear of limiting their self expression. Neither of the dominant writing pedagogies…

This article outlines the ways in which clothing is one important medium for the presentation of self, on the basis of interviews and group discussions with young people in a qualitative study. In the process of leaving their childhood behind, young people have to present themselves as individuals; the self has to be indicated in an individualized…

The personal student journal is a little-used technique that holds special promise for instructors working in diverse educational settings. Journals can be used as an instructional tool for students, as a means for nurturing self-directed learning, and as a bridge to personal growth. (PP)

A creative writing program for disadvantaged women in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is described. The program's effects in empowering the women resulted in the women making a number of specific changes in their lives. Reasons for the workshop's success are discussed, as is the power of the arts to effect social change. (DB)

If children entering school today are to avoid a 12- to 20-year apprenticeship in alienation dominated by the mere manipulation of words and numbers, education must foster an appreciation for the roles the humanities play in helping mankind rise above the earthly and achieve a reflective overview of society. Such an appreciation can be obtained…

An art program at an alternative elementary school in Acton, Massachusetts, revolves around the belief that every person has an inner sense of self that should provide the direction for learning. The educational environment is designed to stimulate individuals to find their own personal direction. (SK)

This paper describes the organization and implementation of 16 seminars on the subject of developing the potentials inherent in the individuals involved. The stated goals of this group project for teacher corps interns are: (1) identify and use personal strengths and potential in many areas; (2) understand achievement patterns and the way in which…

This article describes a 10-week experimental class in painting for older adults at a Jewish Community Service Center. The rationale for offering a painting course is presented and the community center facilities are described in detail. The demographics of the 19 relatively isolated, shy persons aged 65-84 who met for 2-hour weekly sessions are…

Highlights similarities and differences between the art making of normally developing and mentally retarded individuals. Defines pathological art as outsider art that can never be creative in the sense of relating to the artistic domain and engaging in a creative dialog with other artists that shape that domain. (MJP)

Asserts that understanding the influences on art education takes an examination of research in related disciplines. Maintains that researchers are coming to appreciate the educational strategies grounded in artistic thinking and practice. Contends that contemporary art theory and practice contains most of the insights needed to inform the field.…

Presents a series of pictures drawn by an autistic adult over a period of years. The pictures represent recollections of a day in his childhood. This representation is notable because of its consistent theme, as well as its reflection of the ability to reexperience and enjoy pleasant past memories. (MJP)

Considers the act of walking as a metaphor for reflection and self-discovery. Examines the use of postcards as art objects and discusses how they can be integrated into learning activities using the walking/self-discovery metaphor. Connects these activities to a process-oriented curriculum. (MJP)

Summer Adventure, a university-based, full-day, community education program for kindergartners and elementary students is described. The program offers physical and enrichment activities, an "extravaganza," and production and leadership in training activities. The physical activities include golf, swimming, volleyball, and gymnastics. Fitness…