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There are 4 modules in this course
The most transformative learning experiences happen when students move from passive observers to active creators. This course offers techniques for activity-based teaching, a methodology that uses hands-on engagement and multimodal prompts to make modern and contemporary art resonate with your students. By adopting the strategies used by leaders in the field of museum education, you will learn how to turn your classroom into a dynamic studio where students think through making art.
You will also gain fluency in designing activities that bridge the gap between works of art and the lived experiences of your students. Whether you are a new teacher building your first lesson plans or a seasoned professional looking to reinvigorate your curriculum, this course provides a toolkit of creative prompts that foster close looking, and critical thinking. Finally, you will learn to facilitate learning environments where students use art as a vehicle to express their own voices and identities.
Welcome to Art & Activity! Art can be a powerful catalyst for building skills and understanding across a wide range of subjects. In this module, we'll lay some of the groundwork that will prepare you for the rest of the course.
What's included
5 videos9 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 22 minutes
Welcome to Art & Activity•4 minutes
Why Activities?•3 minutes
Philosophy Behind Active Learning•6 minutes
Skills and Benefits of Activity-Based Learning•3 minutes
Designing Engaging Activities•7 minutes
9 readings•Total 110 minutes
Welcome to the Course!•10 minutes
Art, Activities & Social Emotional Learning•10 minutes
Tips for Teaching Students with Disabilities•10 minutes
Optional Prompts for Discussion & Reflection•10 minutes
Are you a New York State educator?•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Introduction to Activities •30 minutes
Activities for Analyzing and Reflecting
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, we’re moving from theory to practice with videos that discuss drawing, sound, movement, writing, and game-based activities for building skills in analysis and reflection. Through demonstrations, descriptions, and lesson ideas, you'll discover some of the ways that activities empower students to look closely and think deeply about works of art, while also making personal connections to their own lives.
What's included
9 videos11 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
9 videos•Total 43 minutes
Drawing Activities for Analyzing and Reflecting•5 minutes
Take Action: Blind Contour•5 minutes
Sound & Movement Activities for Analyzing and Reflecting•4 minutes
Take Action: DJ the Artwork•4 minutes
Take Action: Draw What You Hear•2 minutes
Games and Play-Based Activities•9 minutes
Take Action: Create an Exquisite Corpse•2 minutes
Writing & Discussion-Based Activities for Analyzing and Reflecting•5 minutes
Optional Prompts for Discussion & Reflection•10 minutes
Mid-course survey•5 minutes
Reminder: CTLE for New York State educators•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Activities for Analyzing and Reflecting•30 minutes
Activities for Creating, Imagining, and Connecting
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
In Module 3, you'll discover lessons and activities that appeal to various types of learners and nurture your students' creativity, imagination, and empathy. We will continue moving from theory to practice with videos and readings that discuss drawing, sound, movement, writing, discussion, and design thinking activities.
What's included
8 videos8 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 39 minutes
Drawing Activities for Creating, Imagining & Connecting•5 minutes
Take Action: Draw with Words•2 minutes
Writing & Discussion-Based Activities for Creating, Imagining & Connecting•10 minutes
Take Action: Postcard Home•7 minutes
Sound & Movement Activities for Creating, Imagining & Connecting•5 minutes
Take Action: Activate Your Sense of Sound•2 minutes
Design Thinking Activities•5 minutes
Take Action: Chair for an Astronaut•4 minutes
8 readings•Total 100 minutes
Welcome to Module 3•10 minutes
Lesson: Illustrate Events from your Life•10 minutes
Optional Prompts for Discussion & Reflection•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Activities for Creating, Imagining & Connecting•30 minutes
Assessment Strategies
Module 4•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll shift focus from activities to assessments. The two videos address self-assessment for you as the facilitator and assessing student work. Additionally, you’ll gain access to resources you can consult and adapt for your assessments.
What's included
2 videos12 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 11 minutes
Assessment Strategies for Teachers•4 minutes
Assessing Student Work/Farewell•7 minutes
12 readings•Total 140 minutes
Welcome to Module 4•10 minutes
SEL Resources for Assessment & Reflection •10 minutes
The Museum of Modern Art is a place that fuels creativity, ignites minds, and provides inspiration. Join us in exploring the art, ideas, and issues of our time through the Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization or through individual courses: Modern Art & Ideas, Seeing Through Photographs, What Is Contemporary Art?, Fashion as Design, and In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting. Learn about teaching with art in our three courses designed for K-12 educators: Art & Inquiry, Art & Activity, and Art & Ideas.
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
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Learner since 2021
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Learner reviews
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1,283 reviews
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Showing 3 of 1283
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LB
5·
Reviewed on Apr 7, 2022
This is such a complete course! It is direct, straight to the point, engaging, visual and nice to follow! I would love to read more of the other student's projects!
M
MP
5·
Reviewed on Feb 3, 2018
This course is very useful and inspiring! There are interesting ready-made ideas of activities and mainly good descriptions of its principles of creation in this course. Highly recommend!
A
AJ
5·
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2019
Very interesting and helpful course for art educators and educators in general. Inputs are very clear and easily understandable. Brilliant mentors/instructors. Very well planned course.
This course has been designed for primary and secondary teachers of all subjects, but we encourage anyone interested in teaching with art to enroll. No prior knowledge of art history is required.
What will I be able to do upon completing the course?
You will develop an understanding of the benefits of using activities in inquiry-based teaching while also learning techniques for integrating art across your curriculum.
Will I be able to receive an accreditation for this course?
Coursera currently provides certificates of completion.
MoMA offers New York State teachers Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) credit for individual courses and for the three-course specialization developed for K-12 educators. More information about CTLE in New York State is included in the courses. MoMA does not offer any other accreditations at this time.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.