Experimentation and Play

I believe that having room for experimenting and playing in the classroom, both conceptually and material wise, is essential. Lev Vygotsky says it best, “A child’s greatest achievements are possible in play, achievements that tomorrow will become their basic level of real action”. This play will allow students to focus on the process of artmaking, rather than only the outcome. In addition, these experimental processes will construct life skills and equip students for real life situations in the future. With the guidance of the TAB pedagogy, I hope to facilitate a classroom where the students are the artists and the classroom, their studio. Students will be encouraged to advance their individual artistic processes through exploration and discovery, inquiry and ideation, skill development and artmaking, reflection and revision, and self-evaluation.

As students get older, I worry there is less room for play and enjoyment, rather more concern for their grade. My goal is to curate a space that empowers students to create without the fear of failure. It is important to ensure my students have the knowledge that the “process” of creating is just as important, if not more, as the “product”. Students need to feel calm in their innovation and secure that the final product is not the only item being assessed.

Connecting to Real Life

I find students more involved and excited about their artwork when the materials and/or topics are relevant to their own lives. Supporting John Dewey’s theory, students' minds are eager to be active in conversations and participating when they are able to attach new information to prior knowledge. Thus, when students are able to refer to personal experiences and find a voice in their projects, care and intention become more apparent in their final piece. 

Big Ideas

Conceptually, by integrating the exploration of topics students can create and discover values, such as their “identity”. By using art to investigate, students will have the ability to construct personal narratives in the creation of their projects. In my experience as a student, I found the most rewarding part of creating was the ability to reflect on what makes me, well me. To give students a safe and encouraging environment to express and explore themselves is an essential part of learning. 

These “Big Ideas” won’t stop at identity, but include topics that can help students understand difficult events and topics. Art is unique in the way that it can be connected to any subject with its interdisciplinary nature. It allows time for students to digest information and work together as a community through discussion and the artistic process, becoming a sanctuary for minds to absorb and then reflect in their own creativity. 

Everyone has the right to their own thoughts and opinions and by bringing in students' opinions it can lead to uncomfortable conversations. With many voices being heard, an opportunity is created where respect and understanding can be practiced on how to discuss topics with others that do not agree with our own. Although it may seem scary and unpredictable, creating a safe space within my classroom to practice these life skills may prepare students for situations beyond the school environment.

Constructivism Learning

In art, students are expected to be kinetically involved in their learning, given the art materials, and as Benjamin Franklin said, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn". I believe that encouraging students to facilitate their learning with their teacher will increase their participation and meaning behind their art even further. Through students' collaboration with their teacher on topics that they are interested in exploring throughout the semester, along with the type of materials, and project expectations, they receive more ownership of their learning. Student-led learning allows for all of the previous topics above, to be even more meaningful to the students by identifying and understanding what they already know, and how they can achieve learning to the next level.