Learning from another….

This past week my class was fortunate to hear from a teacher who is currently in the field as a high school teacher. She brought several insights with her that I will be able to take from as I venture further within my own career.

One of the things which she noted is that we should reward kids. If they only reward they receive in their education is a diploma then they will not be as successful. Ways to motivate students is by allowing them to be recognized. That might be allowing them to do projects which get public recognition. Be proud of your students work and they will be motivated.

Another things which she discussed is being brave and taking chances. Sometimes some of the projects that have the greatest impact on students lives are also the ones that come with the biggest risk. Sometimes this also means creating projects that are in the moment. Allow room for modification and student input. 

Do you teach a disciplined-based art curriculum or a choice based one?

I think that in my classroom I would have both a discipline based program as well as a choice based one.  I think that its important to have a structured program that is guided through DBAE. This gives you a structure to work off of so that students achieve a certain level of understanding from the beginning of their education to the end. I also believe their art time, which you should allow more freedoms. However I think that more of these freedoms come later on in the education when they are not learning as much of the foundations. So, a student in a advance studio class in high school would be more accepting to a choice based education as they have the foundation needed to make the choice necessary for a successful project. 

Can you talk about trends in education to which you are professionally committed?

At this point I think that the trends in education, which I am committed to, are those that involve keeping literacy in the schools. After taking my secondary reading and writing course I have really started to think about how important it is to keep reading and writing in the classroom no matter what subject is being taught. So, as i continue along my way i hope to provide enriching opportunities in my art classroom to expand on those skills.