art/vision/voice - Maryland Institute College of Art

108 art / vision / voice
mapping. Having students visit, observe, and meet people in the community
prior to developing and implementing projects there helps to provide a
deeper understanding of what is needed and what assets already exist—
and to help students appreciate the resiliency and motivation of the
youth they will serve.
An assets-based model recognizes that community knowledge and
the cultural aesthetic of those we serve is a critical part of a successful
pedagogy. Assets-based pedagogy has implications for other curricula,
mandating increasing diversity in art history, for example, and openness
in the aesthetics of studio practice.
Successful projects, particularly those that included effective conflict
resolution when things went awry, were marked by an emphasis on
listening, reciprocity, and negotiation. The case-based approach to learning
allows us to accumulate precedents for effective practice—what works in
particular situations. Effective practices that run through all the cases fell
into three general categories—establishing strong relationships, preparing
college students effectively, and creating a positive learning environment.
Building strong relationships requires:
v Maintaining respect and trust.
v Acknowledging the reality of the youth we serve, and understanding
their lives.
v Using the past to predict the future, and seeing change over time.
Preparing college students to plan and implement effective projects requires:
v Practicing social analysis and community research.
v Developing cross-cultural skills.
v Working with youth and their families to design the projects.
v A period of planning and discussion before projects are set.
v Enhancing communication and planning in team-teaching models.
v Including the aesthetic and cultural values of our partners in the
project goals.
Creating a good learning environment and a positive experience
for community requires the ability to make use of the dynamic
moment of creating:
v Flexibility.
v Collaboration.
v Consistent communication.
v Responsiveness.