Editorial: Arts Integration Allows Students the Opportunity to be Original

Authors

Ksenia S. Zhbanova, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
Audrey C. Rule, University of Northern IowaFollow

Abstract

This editorial explores the other six articles in this issue 2 of volume 3 of the Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions to examine how originality is displayed and supported by art projects. Originality, is a quality or a characteristic of an idea, approach or product. Originality can be defined as newness or novelty. To be classified as original, an idea must be new. It does not have to have a utilitarian value, which is a requirement for an idea to be categorized as creative. Helping students develop originality is important because it allows the freedom to make any connections, even nonsensical ones, which can result in bursts of unusual, and even creative ideas that may have been rejected, had the requirement of a value for a particular field been present. The editorial provides examples of projects from the literature that focused on originality and a diversity of responses. The articles in this issue are examined for originality examples. All articles showed evidence of student originality in the accompanying art projects. The editors suggest that art projects integrated with STEM subjects are an effective way to provide motivating self-affirming opportunities for expression of originality in the classroom.

Citation

Zhbanova, K. S., & Rule, A. C. (2018). Editorial: Arts integration allows students the opportunity to be original. Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions, 3(2), 1-8.