Relational Arts-Based Teaching and Learning

Engaging Mind, Body and Soul

Gerard Bellefeuille, Kerry Heaney-Dalton and Rebecca Stiller

ISBN 978-1-7764578-3-0 (Paperback) / 978-1-7764578-4-7 (e-book)
Published: September 2024
Pages: 186

Relational child and youth care practice is nuanced, making it challenging to describe and understand. The Child and Youth Care Program pedagogy at MacEwan University is centred on the principle that learning about child and youth care ought to be felt and embodied because once truly experienced, it can be shared with intention with children, youth, and families. This book illustrates how we explore relational practice alongside students, with mutually beneficial results.

Theoretical concepts are intertwined with vivid examples of student’s creative work. These illustrations show deep personal exploration and critical examination of ideas, resulting in learning that is meaningful and transformative. You may be surprised by the vulnerability and honesty, but after leaning into their own creativity, students describe increased self-awareness and capacity. Students also gather an array of interventions that can be used in their work, and because of their personal application and understanding, the usefulness is evident. As you read, you will likely find yourself pondering the pertinence of the examples to your life and work. Allow yourself to engage in ways that are meaningful to you, and you may be surprised by what you notice. One of the many advantages of relational arts-based teaching and learning is the transferability of the creative process.

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