Angelina “Mona” Antolin is a Governors State art major with a minor in art history who went to Hawaii University International Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences & Education Conference in December. There she and Professor Rebecca Siefert presented their collaborative project on student engagement in art education.
The project started when Mona approached Siefert, looking for independent study options. Together, they developed activity booklets for students in “Women in Art” and “American Art” classes, designed to increase engagement for both art majors and non-majors alike.
“We did extensive research, including curriculum analysis and brainstorming activities that would be relatable for everyone,” Mona explained. The booklets included scavenger hunts in Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and creative exercises like imagining yourself as an artist and creating art from that perspective.
The results were amazing. Classes using the new booklets showed noticeably better engagement and participation compared to those without. Students formed a stronger sense of community, and classroom discussions became more active. “The comparative analysis really showed the difference,” Mona said. “You could see students connecting with the material in a way they hadn’t before.”
For Angelina, a fourth-year student in a six-year program and current president of the Anime and Gaming Club, this was her first time presenting at an international conference. The experience brought together speakers from Japan, China, Germany, and more.
The conference also gave Mona a newfound appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work educators do. “If you’re interested in art education or curation, experiences like this are invaluable,” she said. “You see how much thought and effort go into making learning meaningful.”
As part of the presentation, Mona distributed stickers she designed herself, adding a creative touch to the booklet experience. In the end, she said the experience was worth it and encouraged other GovState students to seek out similar opportunities.
“Talk to your professors about independent studies and collaborative projects,” she said. “You never know where it might lead.”
For more information about research opportunities, independent studies, or student-faculty collaborations, contact your academic department or visit the GovState Office of Undergraduate Research.