Learning resource
Drawing for tolerance
- to encourage critical thinking.
- to promote creativity, observation and judgement.
- to express feelings, attitudes and values.
- to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity in schools.
An art competition on the topic of tolerance and accepting diversity is the perfect way to encourage critical thinking, and inspire imagination and creativity in the students. Artistic expression is a great way of expressing (and recognizing) one's attitudes, values, and emotions regarding a certain topic.
It can be implemented as a curicular or extracuricular activity in the school.
1. Teachers should prepare a short introduction on the subject of tolerance and accepting diversity
- introduce the background to refugee issues in general and today (watch video materials about refugee children or about the global refugee crises)
- adress the issue of racism (Which individuals or groups are most often victims of racism? Why? Are these individuals or groups the same as they were 50 years ago? Is the situation the same in all countries?...)
- How do we see the other?
- one school lesson for introducing the topic
- one school lesson for an open debate on the topic
2. The teacher should clearly define the rules of the contest to the students – the best three artworks will be published in local media or the school paper. All of the created artworks will be exhibited in the school lobby (or on a different location) after the end of the competition. Learners can either work independently or create a group artwork. The artistic contributions can come in all forms: drawings, paintings, graphic or other techniques, etc. All kinds of materials are allowed.
- two to four school lessons for creating artworks
After this an appointed jury consisting of two teachers and three students will evaluate the artworks.
3. At the end of the competition:
- selecting three best artworks (evaluation criteria: relevance and connection to the topic; originality, innovation; communication clarity - clarity of the message; positivity of the message) and publishing them in local media or the school newsletter.
- setting up the exhibition in the school (artworks made by all participants)
- discussion about the artworks and the messages they convey
- one school lesson
Discussion about the artworks presented: students present their work, explain what they did and how this relates to the selected topic. What is their view on tolerance, accepting diversity, etc. The teacher acts as a moderator, asking questions, encouraging learners to support their arguments, etc.
Sociology, language and art teachers in vocational secondary schools.
Classroom with art materials.
It is a competition for the best artwork of all incurred over a period of five to seven shool hours. Artworks can be assessed in the context of regular educational process, if they arise in the context of regular school hours.
After the art contest is completed and the school exhibition is set up, learners discuss about the exhibited artworks. All the classes from the school can be involved in the discussion, trying to identify together the messages that the artists wanted to share. At the end, the artists themselves explain what the drawings represent. Students and teachers from other schools can also be invited to this event.
Integration of pieces of content about discrimination and radicalisation in the curriculum.
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