While perusing videos to show in my psychology class, I came across this video from SoulPancake. It is part of their series on The Science of Happiness. This one in particular looks at art therapy.

While the focus on this video is whether and how art therapy contributes to happiness, it also speaks to the power of multi-modal reflection and expression. In school and academic settings the most common and valued mode of reflection tends to be, while perhaps not strictly academic writing, writing non-the-less. For some students, this may be their preferred mode of expression – the mode where they feel most empowered to navigate, create, and convey meaning. However, if a student struggles with writing (or writing in English), then the writing becomes a barrier to that student engaging with and expressing their feelings and ideas. Even students who may be comfortable writing, can be opened up to a wider variety of modes of expression, which may encourage them to engage with their thoughts and feelings in new and creative ways. Providing students with multiple modes and mediums of expression empowers them to better communicate and show their reflection and learning.

This video also illustrates how encouraging students to express themselves multi-modally does not simply mean letting them decide how they wish to express express themselves and leaving them to it. The subjects in this video required a facilitator, access to supplies, and a guided, structured process to utilize the art therapy effectively. Educators still need to take an active role in empowering students by teaching new and alternative literacies.