Twenty-fifth International Conference on Learning

Abstract

The following paper is a presentation of a teaching intervention applied in a 6th grade English class in Thessaloniki, Greece, focusing on the ways art works can contribute to differentiated learning, increase of motivation and improvement of linguistic output in the target language. The materials chosen for the teaching intervention are five works of art revolving around the myth of “The Abduction of Europe.” The purpose of the intervention was to kindle the students’ critical skills through thorough investigation of the art works. Apart from the artistic elements portrayed, the students were encouraged to detect how male power is depicted in the paintings and sculpture chosen. Following the observation and analysis, the students produced comics relating the theme to the present day social world. Careful investigation of the comics exhibits an overwhelming tendency to perpetuate dominant stereotypes of male power where the weak female needs to be saved by the powerful male, even in its animalistic form. These findings seem quite disturbing in the sense that students have not yet developed critical literacy skills, but accept particular aspects of the social world as “natural.” However, the overall outcome of the teaching intervention suggests that active engagement with works of art can improve the students’ linguistic skills in English and enhance motivation.