Mind the Gap: Arts-based strategies for Enhancing Essential Employability Skills

Upcoming webinar will help educators understand how arts can help improve student communication skills.

Communication is an essential transferable skill. Yet, many learners struggle with oral and written expression.

On February 16, Dr. Christine Boyko-Head and Glenys McQueen-Fuente will showcase the results of their research project that explored how learners could overcome the threat of the blank page through music, storytelling, cartooning, role-playing, laughter and fun. Their project used applied arts-based strategies to mind/mine the communication gap in learners and help them become more confident, motivated and articulate. In the words of one observer, “this isn’t your ordinary communication classroom – they’re having too much fun”.

Dr. Boyko-Head is a professor of communications at Mohawk College. Ms. McQueen-Fuentes is a recently retired professor of dramatic arts at Brock University. Their research project was supported by the IDEAWORKS Catalyst Fund (ICF), which provides funding to support new applied research and innovative scholarship in teaching and learning at Mohawk College.

The free webinar will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 2 p.m.- 3 p.m. and is open to Mohawk College employees, students and the public.

Register here.