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Quality Standard 3

Teachers plan and delivers effective instruction and create an environment that facilitates learning for their students.

ELEMENT A: Teachers demonstrate knowledge about the ways in which learning takes place, including the levels of intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of their students. ​

Adapting to online and hybrid teaching has made me a student of technology.  When the pandemic first hit, I had to adapt to learning online as ease into teaching by tutoring with AVID.  It seemed like I was suddenly using every platform.  This experience made me empathetic to what K-12 students were going through.  Allowing students to keep their cameras off, giving extra time for assignments and adjusting material use were just a few ways I demonstrated my dedication to teach in any condition.

Handing out documents with student material that were picked up helped me to begin to cultivate a community while learning onlyine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT B: Teachers use formal and informal methods to assess student learning, provide feedback, and use results to inform planning and instruction.​

Informal assessment is a constant in my classroom.  Covering the room while students are working allows for real time critique and encouragement.  This is also done by occasional gallery walks that allow students to shop for ideas from other students and gain inspiration.

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT C: Teachers integrate and utilize appropriate available technology to engage students in higher level thinking skills.​

I often made slide presentations to introduce a new project.  My expectations were that my students would make a copy and fill in the requirements.  Here I show a student responding to a research prompt in my advanced sculpture class at Rocky.

I presented slides for a creative dwelling project.  The instructions were to copy the slides and complete for the final presentation.  I asked for ideation sketches, process slides, final photos, description and reflection.  Each student presented a slide presentation.  It was important to use this technology in case we had to revert back to remote learning.  

ELEMENT D: Teachers establish and communicate high expectations and use processes, such as questioning, to support the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.​

I believe it is my responsibility as an art educator to encourage critical thinking in creative ways.  Creativity can be cultivated in may ways.  

Discussions about ideation and how an artist makes creative choices should be approached depending on the assigned project or prompt.

In 3D design class at Rocky I instructed students to research an artist that appealed to their creative thinking.   I demonstrated how to created paper mache balloons that they would then turn into a hot air balloon.  The assignment left a lot of room for choice.  They had to figure out how to design their balloon based on the artist they were inspired by.  Emphasis was on creativity and construction. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ELEMENT E: Teachers provide students with opportunities to work in teams and develop leadership qualities.​

Working in teams has required a different approach due to the pandemic.  Break out groups for discussions on Zoom or other platforms offer a way to let students communicate on a more intimate level with their peers.

 

ELEMENT F: Teachers model and promote effective communication.

Feedback during formative assessment and summative assessment varies with each grade level.  At Rocky I spent hours grading projects because the projects were more involved and deserved a full detailed response.

Here are a few of my grading responses:

Excellent job, Joel! Your design reflects the artistic direction of the movie in all aspects. You used your time well which reflects in your craftmanship. Your painting skills are exquisite. What a fun piece!

Kaydence, your balloon is outstanding. Wonderful attention to detail. I am glad you appreciated the process and let it lead you to your final product.

30/30 Aesthetic Dwelling is in the round Uniqueness/creativity Dwelling tells a story 30/ 30 Craftmanship No visible glue Can be moved with ease 10/10 Time management Good use of class time/working from home 30/30 Final Presentation Complete slide presentation Problem solving and process articulated clearly

Laura, your project and presentation are very impressive. Your detailed backstory is super creative! I know you did a lot of problem solving and you had great success. I appreciate how much time you put into this project. You should be very proud! Great job!

Reflection:

Creating an environment that is optimal for student growth starts on the first day of class.  Communicating the importance of community among students and myself allows for acceptance and vulnerability.   This was especially important during the pandemic.  It was vital that I check in with students to let them know that it is okay to not always feel like forging ahead.  Being sensitive to the fact that I don't know what happens when they are not in school allows for an open mind without judgment. 

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Using Gallery Walks for Critique & Revis
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