Arts & Learning Practicum
EDU T421
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Students will undertake a field-based practicum in a learning setting - such as a local school, early childhood center, museum, or community-based organization - where they will plan and facilitate arts experiences with and for communities. Students will also attend weekly workshops where they can share documentation, discuss learnings, and engage in collective reflective inquiry. These discussions will encourage reflection on the practices, expectations, and beliefs we bring to the creative practice of arts education, the design of learning environments, and the vision for the work that we do. By gaining field experience and developing new perspectives, students will examine their creative practice in a deep and intentional way. Partner organizations include:
● Boston Public Schools
● Boston Children's Museum
● American Repertory Theatre (ART)
● Harvard Dance Center
● Other local arts organizations (TBD)
Students are also welcome to organize their own practicum in consultation with the teaching team however these will need to be approved by the instructor (Dr Penfold) by January 16, 2026. Two or four credit options are available. Students earning 4 credits are expected to commit 8 hours per week of practical work for a full semester plus attend the weekly reflection workshop. Students earning two credits are expected to commit 3-4 hours a week of practical work for a full semester or 8-10 hours a week for a half semester plus attendance at the weekly reflection workshop. A learning contract is developed between the student and a site supervisor then approved and assessed by the faculty advisor.
T421 has a limited enrollment of 15 students. Preference will be given to those students enrolled in the Arts and Learning concentration. Instructor permission required to enroll. Please complete this survey form to express interest in the class: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePVq046NYmnhA-s5VqJw1WF7PRUbgn5wMnobo6onO6u7_vUA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=112717729071083030000
Course Notes
Student Assessment Participation in on-site field work Participation in weekly in-class reflective workshops at HGSE Weekly reflective journal entries
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
This course is appropriate for HGSE students who would like to sharpen their skills teaching, facilitating, and reflecting on arts education practices for immediate and on-going professional growth. For students starting out their arts education careers, this course will allow for the application of theories and practices in a supportive and structured environment where they can receive direct mentoring from Arts and Learning teaching staff. This course is also ideal for students who have previously worked in arts education and those interested in exploring working with new age groups or in novel education settings. By gaining field experience and developing new perspectives about their work, students will cultivate the means to examine their creative practice in a deep and intentional way. This course is distinguished from the "S997 Field Experience Program" by its specific emphasis on Arts and Learning, with teaching staff having specialized knowledge, experience, and networks in. The module is open to all HGSE Ed.M. students with preference given to those enrolled in the Arts and Learning concentration.
