Learning Biographies
An important part of our research are what we are calling “learning biographies”: these are case studies in which we take a closer look at an individual’s experiences with learning through the arts.
Each learning biography tells an individual’s life history, looking at the role education has played in their lives and especially their experiences in afterschool and out-of-school-time (OST) arts programs.
We focused on the value of participating in afterschool arts programs, by looking at:
- The effects of participation;
- The role of marginalization;
- The role of arts in their lives; and
- Their reflections on learning and education.
The stories below describe each individual’s experience as a participant in an afterschool or OST arts program (listed in parentheses).
New York
Stephane’s Story (Parsons Scholars Program)
José’s Story (ArtsConnection)
Nazarria’s Story (National Dance Institute)
Alan’s Story (ArtsConnection)
Kentucky
Sierra’s Story (Harlan County Higher Ground)
Jade’s Story (Central Music Academy)
Miller’s Story (Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra)
Megan’s Story (Harlan County Higher Ground)
Melbourne, Australia
Rito‘s Story (L2R Dance)
London, England
Shivz’s Story (WAC Arts)