Creating Constructively with an Open Mind

Forest Aliya
Sacramento State University

Creating Constructively with an Open Mind

Creating is a human beings natural state. Bringing the concepts of Meaning-Making

and Big Ideas to our educational system is not so revolutionary but reconnecting with our true
selves. Creating a safe space for our students and putting out a Big Idea which has many
dichotomies that creates ambiguity, contradictions, and multiplicity creates a haven for learning,
( Walker p148). Then giving the students physical objects to constructively build a visual image
and formulate essential questions during the process causes cognitive awareness to ripen. Our
manifestations bring us to a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and our environment.
With these concepts we are teaching our children how to create their own identity by being a
unique individual existing autonomously within a group.

The key to adapt to a new situation is communication and articulating essential questions
about how things work in the existing system as well as the new system. Find the similarities
between the existing system and the new system. This forms a good foundation to work from.
Let combative differences of the existing system fall away then integrate the new systems ideas.
Form a Big Idea then create a list of subjects that support the Big Idea. Present the Big
Idea to students. A lot of ideas will evolve and grow while some will be destroyed and
forgotten. If intentions are good it will be a huge learning experience for all involved. Big
Ideas is a way of creating an abstract but structural space for all individuals to have deeper
understanding how relationships form, evolve, and change.

Franco, Ward, and Unrath. Art as Meaning-Making: A New Model for Preservice Elementary
Generalist.

Parsons, Micheal. Art and Integrated Curriculum. Ohio State University.

Walker, Sydney. 2001. Teaching Meaning in Artmaking.