The Arts · Grade 12

Active learning ideas

Art and Global Migration

Active learning works for this topic because students need to move between analysis and empathy to grasp how art shapes our understanding of migration. Moving through physical and intellectual spaces—like a gallery walk or small group discussions—helps students connect abstract themes of displacement to concrete artistic choices.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• VA:Cn11.1.HSIII
• VA:Re7.2.HSIII

• 30–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Gallery Walk
• 50 min · Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Displacement Themes

Display 6-8 prints or projections of migration artworks around the room. Assign small groups to visit three stations, record visual elements and emotional responses on charts, then rotate. Conclude with whole-class synthesis of common themes.

Analyze how artists represent the experiences of migrants and refugees.

Facilitation Tip

For the Gallery Walk, place artworks at eye level and number them so students can move efficiently while keeping track of their notes.

What to look for

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'Choose one artwork that powerfully represents a migrant's experience. What specific artistic choices (color, composition, symbolism) make this representation effective in conveying emotion and meaning?'

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 35 min · Pairs

Pairs Analysis: Cross-Cultural Comparison

Pair students with artworks from different regions, such as Mexican and Australian migrant art. Partners chart similarities in identity symbols and differences in media. Pairs present findings to spark class debate on universal experiences.

Compare artistic responses to migration in different cultural contexts.

Facilitation Tip

During Pairs Analysis, assign one student to focus on formal elements (color, line) and the other on thematic elements (symbols, mood) to deepen their discussion.

What to look for

Provide students with a short text excerpt describing a historical migration event. Ask them to identify 2-3 ways an artist might visually represent the key themes (e.g., loss, hope, resilience) mentioned in the text.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Gallery Walk
• 45 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Empathy Sketches

Groups select a key question and create sketches responding to a migrant's perspective using collage elements. Discuss choices, then gallery-critique peers' work for empathy-building techniques. Photograph for digital portfolio.

Explain how art can foster empathy and understanding across borders.

Facilitation Tip

In Small Groups: Empathy Sketches, provide a short prompt like 'Draw the moment a family arrives in a new place' to focus their creative responses.

What to look for

Students bring in an example of art (digital or print) related to migration. In small groups, they present their artwork and explain its connection to themes of displacement or belonging. Peers provide feedback on the clarity of the connection and the artwork's potential impact.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 04

• Gallery Walk
• 30 min · Individual

Individual Reflection: Belonging Map

Students map their own or family's migration story with drawings and text. Share in pairs for feedback, then contribute to a class mural. Reflect on how art fosters understanding.

Analyze how artists represent the experiences of migrants and refugees.

Facilitation Tip

For the Individual Reflection: Belonging Map, give students a blank map or allow digital tools to ensure flexibility in their creative expression.

What to look for

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'Choose one artwork that powerfully represents a migrant's experience. What specific artistic choices (color, composition, symbolism) make this representation effective in conveying emotion and meaning?'

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers should model how to read artworks slowly, asking students to notice details before jumping to conclusions. Avoid rushing to 'correct' interpretations—instead, guide students to support their readings with evidence from the artwork. Research shows that building visual literacy through repeated practice improves students' ability to analyze complex themes like migration.

Students will show learning by identifying specific artistic techniques that represent migration themes, comparing works across cultures, and creating original responses that reflect empathy and critical awareness. Success includes clear links between artworks and migration concepts, supported by precise vocabulary and thoughtful reflection.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Gallery Walk: Displacement Themes, watch for students assuming all migration art focuses on suffering and loss.

  During the Gallery Walk, pause at artworks that highlight resilience or hope, such as murals of reuniting families. Ask students to note examples and discuss why these themes matter in migration narratives.

• During Pairs Analysis: Cross-Cultural Comparison, watch for students treating migration themes as identical across cultures.

  During Pairs Analysis, provide a graphic organizer to compare two artworks from different regions. Ask students to list specific symbols, colors, or techniques unique to each culture to uncover differences.

• During Small Groups: Empathy Sketches, watch for students assuming only migrants create meaningful art about displacement.

  During Empathy Sketches, assign roles like 'ally artist' or 'migrant voice' to guide students in discussing why both perspectives matter. Use peer sharing to broaden their understanding of artistic agency.

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Methods used in this brief

• Gallery Walk