Anett Papp

2.30 Creativity Beyond Borders: Experiential Learning through Art in Non-Arts Education (Paper)

Anett Papp – external collaborator, Eötvös Loránd University Project, Hungary

Zsuzsa Kovács – Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary

Abstract:

Developing personal competencies within initial professional education remains a persistent challenge for higher education professionals. This study introduces a methodological approach that integrates creative processes and diverse tools to facilitate the exploration of personal constructs that are conceptually elusive, while simultaneously offering opportunities to engage with various dynamics of human interaction. This presentation discusses the initial results of an innovative pilot project integrating adult education principles with a unique, art-based approach. The program employs artistic tools in non-arts courses, utilizing freeform, experiential tasks to convey conceptual frameworks. This approach was implemented in a self-awareness course within the Human Resource Counselling master’s program at a Hungarian university. Conducted over a semester with biweekly five-hour sessions, 24 students aged 20–25 enrolled in the course. The curriculum was enhanced with tasks involving movement and visual creation, which alternated between individual, paired, and group work, often shifting within a single session. Collaborative creative activities provided participants with insights into communication dynamics, problem-solving strategies, and teamwork coordination. These methods allowed for real-time experiential learning, fostering deeper professional role awareness and interpersonal skill development beyond the scope of traditional educational techniques. Preliminary feedback indicates that the newly implemented methods and techniques offer a novel and engaging approach to self-awareness training. By seamlessly alternating between creation and reception, participants gained multisensory insights into specific concepts and professional models. This method transcends sequential thinking, emphasizing the interconnectedness and mutual enrichment of scientific and artistic disciplines.