Member lead art class inspires people to learn English

At ASRC Dandenong have just launched the first Art and English Language class, resulting in some very impressive works. In fact, the class has been so popular that another five week course will be run on Thursday afternoons starting in May.

This is a new initiative that breaks away from the traditional English language class setting and aims to facilitate learning by building on vocabulary in a fun, creative environment. It runs for two hours each week and is lead by a current member and artist, David* who generously offered his time and expertise for the project. David possesses a range of artistic talents including jewelry making, playing the guitar, and painting. An EAL teacher, Suzanne also supports David in the English component of the lesson.

The class works by first guiding students through the process of painting a landscape. Students worked on one element of their landscape at a time, starting with the sky, then the lake, mountains, trees, etc. building the landscape week by week. By breaking it down in this way, David has enabled a group of reluctant first time art students to be delighted with themselves at what they can achieve. Many had never explored art before so has been a brand new experience for them, though you wouldn’t suspect when you look at their work.

At the end of each lesson the students walk away with a list of new English words. And following each week they return with their studied vocabulary lists and hear them use their newly acquired language to describe their paintings. The combination of both creative and practical learning has been a great fit. David has been able to utilise his artistic skills and also think creatively around ways to teach English using art to bridge learning.

Some of the students’ feedback:

“I feel very stressed about my visa. These classes help me to relax”

“I really look forward to these classes. Each week I am waiting for my next art class to come”

“I have made new friends here. It is very enjoyable”

“It is very useful to learn English this way”

“I have learnt self­ confidence from this class”.

“David is a good teacher because he is patient and helps every person single by single”

*The real name has been changed to protect their identity