Conversely, the participating arts institutions have demonstrated through successful programs in multiple settings that artistic practice, as taught by professional artists, is essential to an effective methodology of arts education. Arts instruction is a central and valued activity where innovation is based in exploring artistic practice and content. With professional artists as instructors, studio practice, art criticism, and educational content merge in a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching and learning. The project design is based on models of teaching and training that have been proven effective in school and community art center practice. These include an interactive process which enables the participants to apply theory to actual practice and then reflect upon the outcomes of such practice.
Participants experience a number of different approaches to teaching practice and philosophy.
Participants meet with the artists whom they assist to plan and review lessons, assess program experience, evaluate student achievement, and other relevant activities. Participants are gaining an understanding of the role of the arts in classroom teaching and learning, and are thus developing a commitment to arts instruction as an integral part of education. They are acquiring the knowledge, skills, and experience they will need as teachers to use the arts creatively and effectively in their daily classroom practice. In addition, both universities have designated the Armory's Director of Training as an adjunct faculty member. This designation allows a portion of her salary to be paid directly by the universities.