The document describes Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), also known as Choice Based Art Education, which is a nationally recognized, research-backed method for teaching art. TAB enables students to experience artmaking through authentic learning opportunities and responsive teaching. In a TAB classroom, students are treated as artists where they control subject matter, materials, and approaches based on their own ideas and interests. Teachers support student beliefs and experimentation rather than dictate outcomes. TAB aims to develop 21st century skills like creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

1. “TEACHING FOR ARTISTIC BEHAVIOR”
“TAB CHOICE”
“CHOICE BASED ART EDUCATION”
Nationally recognized and research-backed method of teaching
also known as TAB or Choice Based Art Education.

2. TAB OVERVIEW
• Method
was developed in
Massachusetts classrooms over
thirty five years through courses
and research at Massachusetts
College of Art
• Teaching
for Artistic Behavior
enables students to experience
the work of the artist through
authentic learning opportunities
and responsive teaching.
© 2013 Teaching for Artistic Behavior

3. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
•
It’s simple: Students are artists
and the classroom is their studio!
•
Real choices are offered for
responding to their own ideas
and interests through art making.
•
Children often find greater
relevance in their work when
given a chance to explore their
own ideas, interests, and
passions.

4. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A
TAB CHOICE ART ROOM
• The
student is the artist
• Students
control subject matter,
materials, approach
• Student
beliefs drive work
• Students
are self-motivated
• Experimentation
are honored
• http://
and mistakes
teachingforartisticbehavior.org/

5. This concept supports multiple modes of learning to meet the
diverse needs of all students and contributes to 21st Century Skill
sets desired by employers.

6. ACCORDING TO THE PARTNERSHIP FOR 21ST
CENTURY SKILLS...
The Arts are considered a
core subject area.
Learning and innovation are
recognized as the skills that
separate students who are
prepared for complex life and
work environments in the 21st
century.
They believe that a focus on
creativity, critical thinking,
communication and collaboration
is essential to prepare students for
the future.
Specifics on these skills are found here:
http://www.p21.org/overview/skills-framework/60

7. THE PARTNERSHIP FOR 21ST CENTURY SKILLS
SUGGESTS THAT STUDENTS...
should develop more than just
thinking skills and content
knowledge.
They should be able to:
Adapt to Change
Be Flexible
Manage Goals and Time
Work Independently
Be Self Directed Learners
Interact Effectively with
Others
Work in Diverse Teams
Manage Projects
Produce Results
Guide and Lead Others
Be Responsible to Others

8. Stretch
and Explore
Engage
and Persist
Observe
8
Studio
Habits of Mind
Express
Develop
Craft
Envision
Understand Arts
Community
Develop Craft: Learning to use tools, materials, artistic conventions; and learning to care for tools, materials, and space.
MANY CHOICE TEACHERS USE THE 8 STUDIO HABITS
OF MIND FRAMEWORK
Engage & Persist: Learning to embrace problems of relevance within the art world and/or of personal importance, to develop
focus conducive to working and persevering at tasks.
Envision: Learning to picture mentally what cannot be directly observed and imagine possible next steps in making a piece.
Express: Learning to create works that convey an idea, a feeling, or a personal meaning.

9. TAB TEACHERS SUPPORT EACH
OTHER, SHARE, AND LEARN
TOGETHER
JOIN THE ONLINE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY
To learn more about TAB and choice-based teaching and learning
visit our Yahoo Group, TAB-ChoiceArtEd
& VISIT THEM ON FACEBOOK!
Midwest TAB Art Teachers
TAB Room Design

10. BOOKS TO
INSPIRE AND
DIRECT YOU
Engaging Learners Through Artmaking
by Katherine M. Douglas and Diane B. Jaquith
The Learner-Directed Classroom,
Developing Creative Thinking Skills Through Art
Edited by Diane B. Jaquith and Nan E. Hathaway
How Children Make Art
by George Szekely
E-Book: Choice Without Chaos
by Anne Bedrick

11. CHOICE
WITHOUT
CHAOS
an E-book by Anne Bedrick
http://vimeo.com/47676569

12. YOU CAN TEACH FOR
ARTISTIC BEHAVIOR!
Start small and build up. Talk to others who have done
it. Read everything you can get your hands on. Look at
photos, blogs, and Facebook.