Tag Archives: choice-based art

Dec27

Choice and the Ceramic Classroom

Posted on December 27, 2014 by missjaybar

As you may know, I have changed the majority of my classes to a TAB/Choice-Based classroom. And, I love it. The work is authentic and I feel students are really learning and creating something they are invested in, rather than just going through the motions.

Well, how do I do that in a ceramics class? That has been an internal issue I have. I want to bring choice to them, but felt that I couldn’t just jump in.

I did with my intermediate and advanced class, but they are really my guinnie pigs. I have told them as much too. There are only 6 kids total in those 2 classes, and 4 of them took beginning ceramics last year. But it was only for a semester, so in reality, they are technically beginners. It’s a long story. Anyway, they know the basics and are just given themes to work with.

That is my plan for beginning ceramics…to eventually bring a theme for them to interpret how they see fit and to choose the best building method to carry it out. But first, I felt they really did need to have some basics. They needed to learn how to use slabs, how to coil, how to score and use slip. From there, then they could explore further.

I know many are ready to break free, even though we haven’t covered coil yet. But, am I ready for them to break free? There will be some things I will show them as we go along–engobes, slip casting, mold making, the potter’s wheel.

Can I really treat my ceramics class in a similar fashion? Can I just show them a demo, record it, and have them refer to it later if need be? Will that be enough? Can they just have a theme to interpret and explore? I guess after the coil lesson, we will find out.

Dec20

How Do My Students Feel About Choice?

Posted on December 20, 2014 by missjaybar

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If you have read any of my posts, then you know exactly how I feel about Choice in my artroom. And in case you are new…I love it!!! Love it, love it, love it.

But all too often we talk about what we as teachers want and how something made us feel or if we made the right decision. We don’t ask the students, the most important people in our teaching world, what they think.

So, I did just that. I asked them on their midterm exam what the experience of having choice in their classroom was like. Here are some responses.

“This effected me a lot because last year we were very limited on the materials we had to use, and we all had to do the same art work in the same manner everyone was doing it. It was a good idea for you to change it to were we can all do different types of art work but with the same theme, for example we were able to carve, paint, draw, and a lot of types of work. i think that method should stay because you can see what each person likes, and what their good at.” ~Aharon, art 2 student

“I was really appreciative of the opportunity to get to pick what I wanted to do and how I would do it. Having little restrictions was really helpful in expanding my creativity and giving me more choices.” ~Edward, art 2 student

“We had a variety of things to use and how to use them. I personally think that some of the projects shouldn’t have been so optional with such a variety of things. That the assignments shouldn’t have been so open to do what those of such wanted. Some should of been open to pick to choose their material used, but some also should of been told what to use and work with that and grow on that to know how to use it and get used to using it. When starting a project it took me awhile to pick what I wanted to do and what I wanted to use due to all the options we had. I am the type of person that I’m more comfortable to be told what to use and then go from there. So it was a challenge adjusting but I got it done. ” ~Kalisha, art 1 student

“I liked the new way of teaching/learning you introduced because it gave me a lot of liberties. In my school (in Germany) we have more defaults and the pictures look similar. Here everybody can draw and interpret the theme his/her own way. That way everybody draws something different and unique.” ~Dania, art 1 foreign exchange student

“I felt like it really effected me because if you wouldn’t have given us the choice to really be creative i wouldn’t really try and make something really boring just something easy. I feel like it honestly did help me because i am actually interested and feel like i could do something with my art one day in the future. I am honestly really happy i stayed in this class and you gave me freedom because without that i probably wouldn’t see how much i enjoy art and really see i can do a good job when i put actual effort into it.” ~Casey, art 1 student

“I loved that we got to choose what our artwork was this year. It’s given me a lot more freedom and has actually made me care about my artwork because I’m doing what I want to do, instead of something that i have no connection to.” ~Ryan, Art 2 student

“This was effective to me by, letting me use the things that i needed and allowing me to have the things i need to make my artwork be great, and make it to where i don’t just slap something on a piece of paper and turn it in. I can actually give it character.” ~Zoe, art 1 student

“I remember last year in ceramics when we had to make a certain piece, but use the method our art teacher wanted us to use. This year, we have theme that our pieces must revolve around, and we may use which ever method of building we like. Personally, I love this new method our teacher has been using for this year. I feel this allows us to continue to use a method we enjoy and focus on improving our skills using that method. Instead of constantly changing which method we have to use and using a method some students might dislike more than others. For example, say we are assigned to make usable containers, one student could use the slab method while another might use coils. There could also be a student who wants to use his or her own method to build a container. They each can find a way they like to sculpt and continue to learn more and more about whatever method they choose. We also have the privilege to try and improve our skill in a method we are not yet comfortable with.” ~Joseph, intermediate ceramics student

Far and wide, almost all of my students (with the exception of beginning ceramics because I have not moved that class to choice…yet–it is coming next semester) really like having the choice. They like being able to experiment and try new things and start over with another medium when the first they chose isn’t working. They like being able to interpret themes as they wish.

I appreciate Kalisha’s perspective as well. I know for some it is really hard to not be told how to do something, especially when you have been told how to do it for most of your young life. She is a fabulous artist who spends time thinking about how she will interpret things and trying new mediums. She works hard and has created some fabulous work. I think that one day she might change her mind about having such freedom because from my perspective, it is working for her.

For more reading my students’ responses, go here. I would also like to thank the teachers of Apex High School (for the umpteenth time) for sharing what they have done in their TAB classrooms. I “stole” their exam questions to use with my students.

Dec8

Under Pressure

Posted on December 8, 2014 by missjaybar

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I just had to put that as a title. However, my students were not under any pressure. Pressure was the latest theme for my Art 2: Painting/Drawing students. This was an interesting theme. The students had some wonderful ideas, but a few just never hit the mark.

I added into the mix printmaking–both collograph and block. I also addedpainting–watercolors (paints and pencils) and acrylics. Funny thing was, almost every student chose to use block printing. I asked them about it after the fact and some said they really liked the carving aspect, but some said they thought they had to do block prints. I looked at them with a questioning look on my face. We discussed, again, that they could use any medium they wanted for their work. Hopefully they get that now. I am unsure what I said or did for them to get that impression.

I have 6 life skill students in my class. Most of them chose to do block prints. I want to highlight Noah’s. While I am sure that what he did had no ties to pressure, I love this piece. He has been scribbling since day one and he has developed so much. I love this piece.

This next piece is also by a life skills student. Deven is one of my more advanced LS kids. He plays football and much of his work is centered on it. His pressure piece is no exception.

This piece had so much potential when I talked with this student. We talked about the pressure from people looking at us and watching us. I think the execution missed the mark.

The rest are pieces that are super successful. These are my favorites from the group.

Dec5

Teaching to Think Like an Artist

Posted on December 5, 2014 by missjaybar

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The following was posted in the feed of an art teacher group I am part of. I completely agree with the message. We need to be teaching our students how to think like artists. We need to teach them how to problem solve. We need to teach them that mistakes are okay. That exploration leads to artistic growth. That, as Cindy Foley implies, ambiguity is okay.

Dec4

You Can Go “Home” Again

Posted on December 4, 2014 by missjaybar

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Our third theme in Art 1 this year was “home”. This proved to be a harder theme than anticipated…and one that many thought was uninteresting. I knew some students wouldn’t be able to get past doing a drawing or a painting of their house, no matter how much we discussed different things that “home” could mean.

I challenged them to look beyond the obvious and look into their lives and show me what home meant to them. Many took this challenge. Many succeeded. But, many fell short. However, that doesn’t mean they didn’t learn anything.

A new “station” was opened on this unit. I introduced them to paint. We looked at watercolor pencils and watercolor paints. We also looked at acrylic paints. I could see the sparkle in the eyes of the few that explored the world of acrylics. I watched the frustration. And I saw the perseverance of the few that kept working and working until they were satisfied.

While I am unsure if I will use the theme of “home” again, I am pleased with the results. Here are some of my favorites.

To see all the artwork, visit The Barnett Blog.

Oct29

Art 2 Work In Progress: Interior/Exterior

Posted on October 29, 2014 by missjaybar

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Art 2’s newest theme is interior/exterior. They have really explored this theme and their ideas run the gamut. They are all so different and I am so proud of them and their work. They work so hard and many come in with ideas so they are ready to go once they finish practice sheets.

Here are some of the works in progress.

This student did a smaller sample first to figure out how he should color his mango. We both liked the look of the sketch so much, he tried to replicate it in a larger form, finger prints and all.

This student is big into soccer, so he is doing an open stadium located in Madrid.

I really like his concept of switching up the ball and the court. This student’s work is improving so much.

I am not quite sure what is happening in the mouth, but it isn’t “mouth parts”. Today he and I had a discussion about what color the inside of our nostrils are. He went so far as to use his camera to find out. I love the way he is using the oil pastels. He has never used them before.

An “inside”look into someone’s eyes. And, it is said that they eyes are the doorway to the soul.

I eagerly await the finished artworks.

Oct7

Man / Machine

Posted on October 7, 2014 by missjaybar

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Our first TAB unit is coming to a close. Art 2 finished last week, and Art 1 is just about done. The theme the students were challenged with was MAN/MACHINE. As a class, we talked about what “man” could mean, what “machine” could mean, and what connections/interactions/relationships they could have.

The students were limited to a black and white drawing no smaller than 8X10. We talked about different techniques including hatching, cross-hatching, pointillism, and scratchboard. The students practiced these along with charcoal and using white pencil on black paper.

I couldn’t have asked for a better first theme. The students gave it their all–well, 98% did. They learned so much about the artistic process. Many sketched first before committing to a final drawing. Others went through 2, 3, or even 4 ideas before settling on something. Some even started final works, reflected on what they were doing, weren’t happy, then started over again. Kids researched drawing faces and learned how to draw wood grain. I don’t think my classroom has seen so much independent learning in one artwork in an art 1 class, ever. Art 2 amazed me with their thought processes and choices.

Interpretations were all over the map. Here are just a few.

This artist wrote a story behind this one: http://taylorhskaylahannington.weebly.com/art-ii/artistic-behaviors1

On “aged” parchment paper.

On newsprint, like a comic.

I have to admit that I was nervous putting them up in the hallway to display. I was nervous that my colleagues would think my students weren’t as talented as in previous years. I wrote a carefully worded email announcing new artwork in the hallway. I always do this because the fine arts hallway is out of the way for many. This time I explained what the students were learning, TAB, and the authentic art making happening in my art room. My worries were not necessary. I received…well the kids received so many complements. In fact, one of my AP’s complemented me on the artwork, the wonderful email, and the exceptional learning going on in my room.

Sep9

My TAB Classroom Is a Living Entity and Must Be Treated As Such

Posted on September 9, 2014 by missjaybar

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I’ve been at this TAB thing in my classroom for about 2 weeks. I have implemented it in my Art 1, and my Art 2. My ceramic classes aren’t quite there yet, but they will be. I started Art 2 first on the TAB path. I showed short demos and had them practice using the techniques. We talked about out main theme of man/machine. I plan on revisiting tomorrow.

I feel I made some mistakes in my approach, so after a week of monster pinch pots and bobble heads in Art 1, I had a chance to have a mulligan. I changed how I had them practice. And after the first day, I even added a practice exercise that I didn’t do with my Art 2.

As I go along, I am learning just as much, if not more than my students. I think that is important in the TAB classroom. You have to be flexible. You have to take a step back and re-evaluate. And, if you are lucky, like I am, you can get a mulligan and try a new way within a few days and not have to wait until the next unit in a few weeks to try something new.

However, as I watched my Art 2 students finished the final practice before re-visiting our brainstorm session of man/machine, I felt that how I was having them practice just wasn’t right. I feel they weren’t really having a good go at the different techniques/media. I plan on finishing up with Art 1 how I completed Art 2, but over the course of the next few weeks, I will come up with some new ideas on how to practice. Because hey, what worked at one time may not work at another time. That’s just how the TAB classroom works.

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” -Frederick Douglass

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” -Winston Churchill

“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living. ” -Gail Sheehy

Aug28

Jumping in Feet First into Tab

Posted on August 28, 2014 by missjaybar

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Today I decided my art 2: painting/drawing was just going to jump in, feet first, into TAB. Let me tell you, it was nerve wracking. We started off with a Padlet activity. I introduced our first theme of man/machine and we brain stormed what they thought of when I said the word “man” and when I said the word “machine”. This was the most talkative the class was all period. Next I told them of the facebook art teacher group I am part of and how I asked my fellow teachers what artwork and what artists they thought of when I gave the topic of man/machine the list was so varied. I showed my students examples from the suggestions. I wanted them to see that there was no wrong answer. That everyone has different images when told a theme, and that was okay. In fact, it was encouraged.

The last thing I did today was a few demos on ways of creating value. Our first unit based on “Man/Machine” is all about b/w drawing media. I am excited about the artist dictionary they will be creating over the year from their practice of the demos that I do. I don’t think I made the right choice in how I went about handing things out and the order of that. I think next time (and I will have a chance to try again in a week or so with art 1), I will do the demo then hand out the practice sheets because even though I told them not to draw what I was drawing, many of them did. I really want them to practice something and really try the technique out and not just do the short little “thing” I do.

As I mentioned before the loudest they were was during the brainstorming. It really was a little freaky how quiet a 9th period class was. I am really hoping they were just overwhelmed because it wasn’t “normal” art class and they were trying to take it all in. I really hope they were not bored. I hope as we go along and this becomes “routine” they act more comfortable in class.

I look forward to tomorrow.

Aug23

My “New” TAB Classroom

Posted on August 23, 2014 by missjaybar

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I spent the summer trying to figure out how to set up my room to best serve my students in a TAB environment. Well, it was easier said than done. Luckily, I didn’t have to buy too much. I had a friend that was moving who gifted me a ton of plastic tubs and drawers. I had a ton of stuff from before that I repurposed. I did buy a few things that I didn’t have…like a new drawer unit for magazines, but all in all, I didn’t spend too much.

My room isn’t the best size for an artroom in my opinion. It is long and narrow, and I have rather large desks and 4 potter’s wheels to accommodate. But, I think I have it all figured out.

I came in a couple of times over the summer and got rid of things I hadn’t used in years and old projects I was saving for no reason. I started to re-arrange and re-purpose. I have set up what we will need at the beginning. Paint and color will come into play in a few weeks, so I thought since I had some time, I would concentrate on what I needed right away and what had to be put away so it wasn’t cluttering up my counters.

It is a work in progress and I like to think of it as a living thing that will change as the needs of the students change and as we figure out better ways of doing things.