Introduction

This introductory chapter gives an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. In The Educated Mind, Kieran Egan suggests that the three traditional reasons for the curriculum are: preparing children for the lives they are going to lead; initiating students into disciplined knowledge; and developing an individual's fullest potential. The word transformation, according to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, is defined as an act, process or instance of transforming or being transformed. Transformative curriculum focuses on multiple objectives as well, from provincial curricular reform to changing adult education outcomes. Continuing with the themes of artmaking, working with artists and community Listening to the Shapes of Collaborative Artmaking explores how a listener-centered pedagogy, rather than a vision centered approach begins with constructing a compassionate, relational self. Rather than simply theorizing this aesthetic pedagogical curricular insight, Irwin also connects her theorizing and artmaking to her teaching.