Teaching and Learning Japanese Aesthetics Through an Immersive Art Experience

Abstract

Lecture continues to be a dominant pedagogical mode of university teaching. While it can be an efficient way to deliver course content, delivering content is not the same as fostering actual learning. Today‘s classroom is a “mini globe” of students coming from different parts of the world, speaking different languages, while often learning yet another language through an already foreign language. While international and domestic students are important sources of income for the university, it is also important to make them feel welcome and to ensure that their learning is not compromised. Struggling with textbooks and lectures can be especially challenging. This is where experiencing the subject can be particularly helpful.

Getting students physically and emotionally involved in the learning process gives them better spatial and temporal awareness as well as awareness of each other. Sensory engagement offers students the therapeutic effects of cultural experience as well as a better understanding of the subject.

Research confirms that contemplative forms of inquiry can offset the constant distractions of our multi-tasking, multi-media cultural environment. Thus, creative teaching-and-learning methods that integrate the ancient practice of contemplation innovatively meet the particular needs of today‘s students and teachers.

This presentation highlighted the teaching and learning experience derived from the course “Japanese Aesthetics as expressed through Chanoyu.”