The University of Florida’s online Arts Education Graduate Program is exploring the importance of including arts in the STEM curriculum.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are the center of attention in most U.S. public schools today. The focus on STEM fields was initiated to increase global competitiveness and the project does have its merits. However, it has left the arts languishing far off in the periphery. This is unfortunate, as art education is known to improve academic performance. Exposure to the arts enhances communication skills, which are essential tools for collaboration. It develops flexibility and adaptability.
Both Sides Matter
In today’s society, we often hear a person state that they are left-brained or right-brained to the point of exclusivity. Persons who say they are excellent at reading, but poor in math or vice-versa often fail to understand that either half of the brain does not go unused in the span of a day simply because of a preconceived notion of the strength of either side.
From the moment you wake up, you start using both sides of the brain in tandem. You use the left to speak, the right to recognize images and faces, the left to use logic, the right to listen to music. Studies suggest whole brain decision-making leads to more effective outcomes. Both sides of the brain, rather than one or the other, will determine personality traits, while the center of the brain (often forgotten in the discussion) realizes when you have made errors and how to correct them.
Infographic created by the University of Florida.