676: Is Learning an Art or a Science?

Is learning an art or a science?
Learning is both an art, and a science.

The purpose of this post is to analyze which method of learning is more effective: logical (science) or creative (art).

At it's core, learning sounds like it would lean more heavily towards being a science, since science is based on logic, and learning typically requires logic. I believe that learning is based in science, but it this is dependent on how well a student can use their imagination to learn, which is why learning is an art.

Here's why I believe that learning leans more heavily towards art. In fifth grade, my teacher taught us a song that alphabetized all fifty states in America. I still remember this song. If I used my rational, scientific brain, to try to memorize all fifty states, it would be much more difficult. Additionally, if someone were to ask that I recite all fifty states, it would be much easier to recite the song that I memorized.

That's a social science example, but I also remember a song that my chemistry teacher taught us in high school to learn the ideal gas law. I only remember this formula, because my teacher presented it in song. I have no idea why or how to actually apply the formula, twelve years later, but the fact that I am able to still remember the formula, and all fifty states, shows how effective incorporating art into learning can be. This is an example of science relying on the art of learning to enrich understanding and foster memorization.

Math can be referred to as the antithesis of art, but how can we best learn math? Below is an example incorporating art.

Math uses art to enhance understanding.

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. This is a fundamental building block for learning math in secondary education. It translates to Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. This is a mnemonic device that is used to teach students that are first entering Algebra. Implementing a mnemonic device requires creativity, not logic. If the biggest principle in math is taught by using an artistic mnemonic device, it would be short sighted to say that learning does not lean towards being an art.

All subjects require the scientific method in some cases. Learning as a science may be the foundation, but it the incorporation of art allows us as teachers help our students learn more abstract concepts. It is my firm belief that if we treat learning as a science, we can still produce graduates, but  it does not foster long term retention the way that learning as an art does. So if we, as teachers, know that mnemonics, song, and story enhance learning, we must enhance our craft and become more creative as teachers, to ensure retention.

References
Wegner, G. (2015, November 1). A Silly Way to Memorize Math Formulas. Retrieved November 16, 2019, from https://youtu.be/CvJEpbZLRhE.