My primary goal as a teacher is to foster personal growth, independence and critical thinking skills in my students. Creating an environment where students feel accepted is key; when students feel a sense of belonging they are more open to taking the risks that lead to artistic and personal growth. Therefore, it is important to embrace diverse ideas and multiple perspectives in the classroom.
Students build knowledge based upon their experiences. Meaningful connections should be formed between their experiences and the material being taught. It is essential for teachers to know their students personally and culturally to make teaching more effective.
My teaching combines structured course assignments and objectives with the flexibility needed to allow for experimentation and discovery. In Foundation level courses, clear assignment requirements, objectives, and assessment are essential and allow for direction and focus in the learning environment. However, all students have unique learning styles and it is important to be flexible and creative regardless of the level of study.
As students progress, it is crucial to enhance their technical training within conceptual, cultural, and historical contexts.
Young artists need to develop a comprehensive understanding of art history and how it connects to their experiences.
Using new technologies in the classroom is vital and allows for interactive discussions of art and art history within the larger context of music, film, and literature. I believe that making these interdisciplinary connections is an essential part of one’s artistic growth and practice.
Lastly, the process of critique and analysis plays a special role in the education of young artists. The use of language in a precise and descriptive way that reflects critical thinking and an understanding of formal issues is an indispensable part of any studio course’s learning outcomes.
Learning outcomes in my studio art courses focus on developing students’ understanding of the techniques, principles and elements used in the art form under study, and sensitivity to and creativity with, the medium. Students should also demonstrate the ability to present their ideas verbally and to create solutions to the problems set forth, experiment capably in their work and develop a sense of confidence with artistic inquiry. Furthermore, students should demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary artistic contexts as well as an understanding of current social, cultural, and artistic practices.
Students build knowledge based upon their experiences. Meaningful connections should be formed between their experiences and the material being taught. It is essential for teachers to know their students personally and culturally to make teaching more effective.
My teaching combines structured course assignments and objectives with the flexibility needed to allow for experimentation and discovery. In Foundation level courses, clear assignment requirements, objectives, and assessment are essential and allow for direction and focus in the learning environment. However, all students have unique learning styles and it is important to be flexible and creative regardless of the level of study.
As students progress, it is crucial to enhance their technical training within conceptual, cultural, and historical contexts.
Young artists need to develop a comprehensive understanding of art history and how it connects to their experiences.
Using new technologies in the classroom is vital and allows for interactive discussions of art and art history within the larger context of music, film, and literature. I believe that making these interdisciplinary connections is an essential part of one’s artistic growth and practice.
Lastly, the process of critique and analysis plays a special role in the education of young artists. The use of language in a precise and descriptive way that reflects critical thinking and an understanding of formal issues is an indispensable part of any studio course’s learning outcomes.
Learning outcomes in my studio art courses focus on developing students’ understanding of the techniques, principles and elements used in the art form under study, and sensitivity to and creativity with, the medium. Students should also demonstrate the ability to present their ideas verbally and to create solutions to the problems set forth, experiment capably in their work and develop a sense of confidence with artistic inquiry. Furthermore, students should demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary artistic contexts as well as an understanding of current social, cultural, and artistic practices.
