Chapter 7 (PLE Post #6)

Music & Art during WWI

The teacher will:

• teach the history of WW1
• teach the DaDa Movement of Art that emerged during WWI
• show slides of art work of the DaDa Movement 
• play recordings of music and marches popular during WWI
• help students create a project based on the DaDa period of WWI

The students will:

• they will process what they see and hear, while answering questions from the teacher
• research WWI in the library searching for examples of DaDa, and propaganda 
• they will work in groups making a project based on the DaDa movement (this could be open to a presentation about the art and music movement, or they could make an art piece based on the movement)   

Combining history with art is a great way to incorporate group projects.  They are able to research the project using the library as a resource, divide tasks, and gain different insights from peers.  Giving the students a choice of what project they can do (writing, presentation, or art project) allows for more excitement and motivation.  I found a great video on YouTube showing students working and sharing their projects with peers.  It's a great example of how effective constructivist teaching can be!

 

PLE #5: Memory

How might your knowledge of the memory processes guide your instructional decisions?

Memory is an extremely important skill for students in the classroom.  Thanks to the two Teaching Projects last Thursday, I learned the importance of memorization in the classroom.  In my Art classroom, memorization would be needed in knowing the steps of an art project, or if they are being tested on a culture or art history.  For each class I plan on having a visual aid that lists all steps required for the art project, but for my younger students coming up with a jiggle about basic steps such as going to get supplies, sitting at your desk quietly, and cleaning up would be a fun daily routine that the students will remember.  My older students who would be tested on basic art terms, culture, and art history would be taught short cuts and funny sayings that will jog the students memory.  Art history requires the most memorization, having to know the artist, art piece title, and time period or date.  I would take the material and try to come up with as many fun abbreviations as possible so my students will not struggle with such dense material.  I researched memory processes in the classroom, and found this basic website titled http://www.memorizingtips.com/.  The website offers many techniques, and memorizing skills that I can see myself using in school today.  Now knowing about the importance of memory processes in the classroom, I will take more time with my students as they learn new steps, or studying for a test. 

Ch. 14 PLE

Lesson plans I would like to teach my students would have a historical or cultural connection.  A favorite of mine is Georgia O'Keeffe and her magnified flower paintings.  This lesson would be part art history, and part art project.  I would review O'Keeffe's life, and the impact her paintings have made on 20th century art.  After reviewing the artist, I would then explain how to create their own magnified flower paintings using watercolor.  

Based on this lesson plan I would ask the class to write a brief paragraph about what they have learned about O'Keeffe.  This way I will be able to see if they're paying attention in class.  Another idea would be to start a course portfolio that would be specifically for art history and culture.  They would write notes, and write reflections about that days artist in the portfolio.  This would make it easy for the student and teacher to see the improvement the student has made, or what areas the student needs to work on. Art class does not require much testing, but it would be important to test students on art history and culture.  Finally, a best-work portfolio would be ideal for showcasing all of the students artwork throughout the semester. Students would pick their best pieces throughout the year to be turned in for teacher review. This process also helps promote student self-evaluating. 

I've attached a link to a YouTube video I found on some of the difficulties assessing students that art teachers face.  
Assessing in Art