As an art educator for over 25 years I finally embraced a Choice-Based art studio in my later years of teaching (Teaching Artistic Behavior http://teachingforartisticbehavior.org/). The art room is arranged with “learning centers” for each medium. Centers include procedures, instructions, student and masterwork examples, and art-making supplies. Here, the student artists make choices for responding to their own ideas and interests through art-making. Play, practice and reflection are integral parts of the learning experience. In contrast to teacher-directed projects, students are encouraged to direct their own art experiences, set their own pace and be fully engaged in the creative process. Class time is divided into whole group instruction, work time, clean-up, and reflection. Learning experiences are designed to meet State Visual Arts Standards. Emphasis is also placed on helping students to develop their abilities to do the following: Explore new ideas, express ideas, develop craft, envision, understand art in our world, observe, engage and persist, and reflect. Many students may not ever pursue hobbies or careers in art, but art class can be a place to practice these thinking/learning/life skills.
As an art educator for over 25 years I finally embraced a Choice-Based art studio in my later years of teaching (Teaching Artistic Behavior http://teachingforartisticbehavior.org/). The art room is arranged with “learning centers” for each medium. Centers include procedures, instructions, student and masterwork examples, and art-making supplies. Here, the student artists make choices for responding to their own ideas and interests through art-making. Play, practice and reflection are integral parts of the learning experience. In contrast to teacher-directed projects, students are encouraged to direct their own art experiences, set their own pace and be fully engaged in the creative process. Class time is divided into whole group instruction, work time, clean-up, and reflection. Learning experiences are designed to meet State Visual Arts Standards. Emphasis is also placed on helping students to develop their abilities to do the following: Explore new ideas, express ideas, develop craft, envision, understand art in our world, observe, engage and persist, and reflect. Many students may not ever pursue hobbies or careers in art, but art class can be a place to practice these thinking/learning/life skills.