Advanced Art with Ms. L
(period 4, observed 2/3/03)
The classroom is very well decorated and colorful making it a pleasant and comfortable learning environment. I notice that the classroom is also very organized with supplies and materials arranged neatly in the closet and on shelves. On the board are listed the class goals: 1)new students will complete their folder covers and assemble them today and tomorrow. 2)old students will start working on their large paper by creating a balanced composition of their contour life/line drawings of objects. If students are finished with everything, they can read an article from the art magazine and outline it.Unlike other classrooms in the school, this classroom has large rectangular tables which seat three to four students. At the beginning of class, students come and sit at their seats and are quiet. Ms. L. introduces the lesson plan for today by giving instructions, making annoucements about the guest artist, and asking for any questions. Her tone and attitude are very clear and respectful and the students listen attentively. Students are told to get started and to ask "if you need me". Students for the most part start their work independently and ask each other for help during the class. There is a comfortable noise level. Ms. L. takes attendance when the students are settled. Students have lots of freedom with the supplies and movement in the classroom. Ms. L. seems to trust the students as she is not very proscriptive in the design or layout. Students are given a specific artistic task but have greater agency in picking the object(s) and other design elements. Students seem comfortable expressing their feelings or frustrations and asking for help in order to do the work. For the most part, Ms. L would offer suggestions to be helpful or to encourage. Only, one student received a lot of help in drawing his objects as Ms. L actually sketched a good portion of his assignment.
::ANALYSIS::
I was very surprised how organized and how effective this class was. I was expecting the art class to be full of students who would be disruptive or indifferent or to have a flaky, inconsistent, or disorganized artistic teacher. On the other hand, most students were fully engaged in their activity and working independently. The class is so student-centered, individualized, and permits the greatest student expression. Even students who may not like art or are not as gifted can find a place to feel comfortable and to grow as an artist. I think the way the teacher has balanced structure with freedom in this class enables the students to become responsible and enjoy this class which meets them where they are and enables them to grow at their own pace. Perhaps because this class is an elective (an advanced one too) and a class students can choose to be in, I think students are more motivated and like the change in the routine from the rest of their school day.
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