Customer Reviews

To Open Minds

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Howard Gardner contrasts Chinese vs. U.S. arts education. In terms of Chinese classical music training, he finds value in following models with very specific narrow steps. And he sees how constrained the same method becomes in stroke-by-stroke Chinese brush painting. He compares these rigid teaching methods to the 1960's let-it-all-hang-out style of free expression and finds each has a value. He concludes by saying the classical vs. the free each have a place in a child's development. He recommends giving young children lots of freedom to explore a medium, then prescribes a more methodical training for middle school students. This allows them to understand the benefit of developing a skill over a several years and gives them the technique to enrich free expression as a young adult.

Gardner illustrates the ideas with his trip to China and experiences with his young adopted Chinese son. The book is an easy read - accessible and focused.

*** Please note that the Editorial Reviews are from another book. ***