Hybrid Event: The Role of 'A' in STEAM - A STEAM+ Conversation

The inclusion of the Arts in STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)highlights the importance of creativity and design in education. The "A" in STEAM represents the arts,which play a crucial role in fostering innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. By integrating the arts, STEAM education encourages students to explore creative approaches and interdisciplinary connections, enriching their understanding of STEM subjects and preparing them for diverse and dynamic careers.

Event Details: 

January 16
4 - 5:30 pm 
Duncan McArthur Hall Room A341/342 or online

Faculty Discussants: 

Dr. Ben Bolden & Dr. Tiina Kukkonen 

Benjamin Bolden, music educator and composer, is an associate professor and UNESCO Chair of Arts and Learning in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University, Canada. His research interests include arts education, music education, the learning and teaching of composing, creativity, arts-based research, teacher education, teacher knowledge, and teachers’ professional learning. As a teacher, Ben has worked with pre-school, elementary, secondary, and university students in Canada, England, and Taiwan. Ben is an associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre and his compositions have been performed by a variety of professional and amateur performing ensembles.

Tiina Kukkonen is an Assistant Professor of Visual Arts Education (Queen’s University) and practicing visual artist based in Kingston, Ontario. Having completed her M.A. (Child Studies) and B.F.A. (Visual Arts Education) degrees at Concordia University in Montreal, she went on to receive a PhD in Education from Queen’s. Her doctoral research focused on the role of intermediary organizations in supporting arts education partnerships in rural and remote communities. As an educator, Tiina has taught visual arts to learners of all ages across community and school environments in Quebec and Ontario. She has worked with several arts organizations, including the Canadian Society for Education through Art (CSEA), the Canadian Network for Arts and Learning (CNAL), and the English Language Arts Network (ELAN). The driving force behind her work is the desire to make visual arts education accessible, relevant, and inspiring for all. To that end, she explores playful, artful, and practical approaches to teaching, research, and knowledge mobilization. Tiina is an active member of the Kingston Fibre Artists and enjoys engaging with the wider arts community through workshops and exhibitions.

Hosted by: 

Dr. Nenad Radakovic (STEAM+ Coordinator) 

Anchored by: 

Akomaye Undie (PhD Student) 

Questions: 

steam@queensu.ca