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Document

Learning Through the Arts (LTTA)


File number :
PPEE-ISC-01e

Bibliographic reference :
Upitis, R., & Smithrim, K. (2003). Learning Through the Arts. National Assessment 1999-2002. Final report to the Royal Conservatory of Music.
<http://www.apla.cc/>

Abstract :

Program Description
In 1994, Peter Simon, president of the Royal Conservatory of Music of Canada launched the Learning Through the Arts (LTTA) program aimed at improving academic achievement and self-expression. As of July 2005, it was reported on the program's Website that 300 elementary and secondary schools in Canada and in ten other countries had adopted this program. Together with artists, teachers are encouraged to develop original mathematics, French and sciences courses. LTTA also offers teachers a wide range of pedagogical tools including role playing, dancing, singing and visual arts.

Study
In 2003, a longitudinal study that included control groups was conducted by R. Upitis and K. Smithrim of Queen's University in Ontario. From 1999 to 2002, 6675 primary school students from grades 1 through 6 in six Canadian regions participated in the study. Comments from the students' parents and teachers, artists and school administrators involved in the study were included in the data collection process. Six research objectives were defined to assess the program's benefits in terms of language and mathematics performance on the one hand and the attitudes and practices of the players involved on the other. Quantitative research tools were used, such as standardized performance tests, writing samples and surveys, as were qualitative tools, such as individual interviews and discussion groups.

Findings
The study findings indicate that these students scored significantly higher in mathematical computation and estimation, particularly by the third year into the program. The qualitative data suggests that this improvement could be due to the students' greater involvement in the arts program. The comments obtained from teachers and school administrators reinforce the impression that one of the program's key strengths is the engagement in learning it instils. The program also seems to promote a greater sense of community. It was noted that female students were more interested in artistic activities than male students. Budget constraints and lack of artistic expertise in schools appear to be the most significant barriers.

According to the researchers, it would be interesting to explore the relationship between involvement in the arts and learning in order to explain improvement in academic performance. They also feel that there could be further research to see if school culture might be responsible for female students' greater enthusiasm for the arts and how arts programs might modify this trend.



Links :
http://www.apla.cc/

Key Words :
LTTA, Arts and Learning, Engagement, Academic Performance, Gender, Mathematics, Language, Writing, Motivation, Longitudinal Study, Primary School, Elementary School, Secondary/High School

Monitored Countries :
Canada