Tezerash Eibensteiner

Art 133
Unit Paper 3
3/7/17
According to Laurie A. Eldridge (2012) Good art education involves

more than outstanding pedagogy, sound content knowledge, or exemplary

student products. It involves understanding students as complete beings and

meeting their holistic needs so the above can take place. In order for

teachers to effectively care for their students in a holistic manner within the

academic setting, there are some important quality traits in which they must

develop, such as: Be understanding, empathetic, attentive, helpful, good

listeners, and have a deep level of concern and love for their students well-

being. However, it is important to understand that this holistic approach goes

beyond just an inner feeling that teachers have, but is also seen through

behavior in putting words into actions in making a difference in the lives of

the students. Establishing a strong, healthy community within the classroom

is very critical for teachers to develop when beginning to establish a caring

environment, in which they are deeply connected with their students beyond

academics. Teachers who genuinely care about their students will take the

time and make the necessary effort to establish healthy, trustworthy

relationships with their students, in which all of their students truly feel like

they belong and are special. It is when students feel valued and cared for by

their teachers, that they will have a desire to go to school and do well

academically.
 I wholeheartedly agree that it is important for teachers to develop the

ethics of caring holistically for their students, especially in establishing a safe

and trustworthy community in which the students feel comfortable in being

open with one another. I really like the idea of VTS, Visual Thinking

Strategies, in teaching critical thinking, communication, and visual literacy

skills to students. If I ever end up teaching art to my students, I will have VTS

Lessons in which all of my students know that their thoughts are valued by

allowing them to express their ideas openly without any negative remarks. I

plan to incorporate and include some of the ideas behind VTS in other

subjects as well. The observation, thinking, and communication skills that

develop as result of the VTS classes will at some point be transferred by

students to other subjects. (Housen and Yenawine).

 References
Eldridge, L. A. (2012). The ethic of caring holistically for art students:
Esmeraldas boutique. In L. H. Campbell & S. Simmons II (Eds.), The heart of
education: Holistic approaches (pp. 287-296). Reston, VA: National Art
Education Association
Housen, A., & Yenawine, P. (n.d.). Visual thinking strategies:
Understanding the basics. Retrieved from http:
www.vtshome.org/research/articles-other-readings