Art is a unique subject because of its broad accessibility and adaptability to every person’s individual needs. It can be a physical subject, a mental subject or a combination of both, it can be therapeutic, challenging, methodical or open-ended and creative. It is my passion to inspire students to find where art can benefit their needs and their life, and also to teach them life lessons such as patience, critical thinking, acceptance, determination and time management.
Maintaining students’ engagement in learning is a main priority. Therefore, my lessons strive to relate to student interests. Through personal experience, the information or skills I remember most are the ones that meant something to me or the ones that related to my own life. I will connect lessons to students through subject matter they are interested in or mediums that spark curiosity. By relating the lessons to the students, they will also learn to see the connection between art and their life, culture and society.
My lessons incorporate methodical approaches to learning and practicing techniques as well as room for students to think creatively. Balance is key between guided instruction and individual experimentation. I believe it is important for students to learn technical skills because it widens their range of knowing how to create. It also helps students gain an appreciation for art in understanding what exactly artistic processes are. Teaching for creativity is also important though, because we are in a time where new ideas and critical thinking skills are more valuable than any memorized concept. Since art can allow for so much creative thinking, I take advantage of it in my teaching practices. Finally, students will not only learn how to make art, but also how to talk about it, analyze it and understand the importance of it throughout history.
Most importantly, the experience of education is so much more than memorizing vocabulary, practicing techniques and exploring concepts. If only it was that easy. Students’ willingness to learn, focus and participate in class, is largely reliant on how they view their teacher. I want my students to know that I believe in their success with each project, in art class and in their futures. My positive, and caring attitude will create a safe and comfortable environment, where students can express themselves, experiment with ideas and not be afraid to take artistic risks.
Maintaining students’ engagement in learning is a main priority. Therefore, my lessons strive to relate to student interests. Through personal experience, the information or skills I remember most are the ones that meant something to me or the ones that related to my own life. I will connect lessons to students through subject matter they are interested in or mediums that spark curiosity. By relating the lessons to the students, they will also learn to see the connection between art and their life, culture and society.
My lessons incorporate methodical approaches to learning and practicing techniques as well as room for students to think creatively. Balance is key between guided instruction and individual experimentation. I believe it is important for students to learn technical skills because it widens their range of knowing how to create. It also helps students gain an appreciation for art in understanding what exactly artistic processes are. Teaching for creativity is also important though, because we are in a time where new ideas and critical thinking skills are more valuable than any memorized concept. Since art can allow for so much creative thinking, I take advantage of it in my teaching practices. Finally, students will not only learn how to make art, but also how to talk about it, analyze it and understand the importance of it throughout history.
Most importantly, the experience of education is so much more than memorizing vocabulary, practicing techniques and exploring concepts. If only it was that easy. Students’ willingness to learn, focus and participate in class, is largely reliant on how they view their teacher. I want my students to know that I believe in their success with each project, in art class and in their futures. My positive, and caring attitude will create a safe and comfortable environment, where students can express themselves, experiment with ideas and not be afraid to take artistic risks.