The More We Look, the Deeper It Gets: Transforming the Curriculum through Art

Product Description

The More We Look, the Deeper It Gets: Transforming the Curriculum through Art provides inspiration and practical guidance for teaching with works of art in order to deepen engagement and improve student learning. The book introduces the Pyramid of Inquiry, a flexible framework that teachers of all subject areas can use to support connections between students’ lives, academic curriculum, and works of art from across time and place. Based on three years of research with New York City K-12 public school students and educators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the book highlights best practices for teaching with works of art and shares exemplars from diverse classrooms. Readers will gain valuable insights, strategies and resources for leveraging the power of art to reach all learners.

Review

Great works of art can remain remarkably silent unless an educator can skillfully guide viewers from observation to interpretation. Nicola Giardina provides us with a compelling, research-based, and delightfully practical guide for anyone who wishes to deepen their experience with art. Through case studies, direct evidence from students, and her own insights, Giardina reveals to us the transformative power of art through excellent teaching practice. — William B. Crow, PhD, Educator in Charge, Teaching and Learning, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

In her easy to follow, yet comprehensive book, Nicola Giardina provides everything an educator (working in a school or museum) needs to develop art inquiries that encourage close looking, spark imagination and support the development of critical thinking skills. By providing sample transcripts, suggested open-ended questions, and clearly articulated strategies, this book provides a full toolbox for the educator who wants to facilitate inquiries that encourage students to think together and think deeply. — Sharon Vatsky, Director of School and Family Programs, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Nicola Giardina’s new book provides inspiration and support for transformational teaching and learning through the pairing of lucid examples that bring to life ways experiences with works of art can provide a catalyst for critical thinking, connection, and self-discovery, with a clear and flexible pedagogical framework forged in the crucible of NYC schools. — Claire Moore, The Allen and Kelli Questrom Center for Creative Connections Education Director, Dallas Museum of Art

The More We Look, the Deeper It Gets: Transforming the Curriculum Through Art is a book for anyone passionate about transformative educational experiences. Through her analysis of numerous on-the-ground teaching moments, Giardina brings us this gem of a book which provides educators with a powerful toolbox filled to the brim with tried-and-true strategies, designed to help both teachers and students to re-discover the art and joy of teaching and learning. — Adjoa Jones de Almeida, Director of Education, Brooklyn Museum

About the Author

Nicola Giardina is a museum educator, consultant, and founder of Inspiring Learners through Art. She lives with her daughter in Brooklyn, New York.