Summative Reflection

The study of this semester really let me know more about art education, especially in these four themes.

Theme 1          Viewing and responding to art

Actually, I always think it is essential to view the masterpiece and have a discussion about them in art education. I was very lucky that to work with Mary in this semester. During the study of Visual Thinking Strategy, I know more about why viewing and responding to art is so important. In 21^st century, the world becoming more and more visualized, students should develop the ability to read images in order to adapt the future life. During the VTS discussion, they can do critical thinking. It will help them to think one thing in different perspectives, and it will let them to be more creative. Moreover, I think VTS can not only help them to know more about art, but also know more about life. They should respect others in the discussion, and build new narratives by connecting others’ ideas. The ability to do teamwork would help a lot in their life.

Theme 2          Developing art curriculum

Although I had a little experience in teaching art before, but I don’t think I made developed art curriculum. Through the study of this semester, I began to know how to develop art curriculum. I think a thoughtful unit plan is really important for teaching. I usually made lesson plans for my students, almost change topic every time. But I think it is not a good idea. A unit plan can help them know about one theme, especially a big idea. It is much better for them to explore one big idea throughout one unit, and learn some skills of artmaking at the same time. They could learn something step by step to get a fantastic artwork in the end. And the assessment skills I learnt in this semester are also useful. I will let my students writing essays, making comments on each other, doing a gallery walk and making exhibitions in the future.

Theme 3          Teaching art

Teaching art is beyond my imagination through the study in this semester. In fact, I knew little about this before I enroll in this program. This semester totally changed my mind. Teaching art is not only to teach how to make artwork, how to read artwork, it is more about the art of life. Art class always offer students a special chance to express themselves. When we exploring a big idea, we can see all of them have a special understanding. They use an artistic way to visualize them, express their thoughts about the world. I think when they look at the world in an artistic way, they will find more beauties and love life and world more than before. In addition, the classroom management is important to make sure all of them have this chance and even let them learn more about common cores, such as how to respect others. It is all about life, even though none of them will become artists, the study of art will help them a lot in their whole life.

Theme 4          Peer Units Review & Revised Teaching Portfolio

I have to say all of my peers are amazing. They always inspired me a lot. The various unit plans show me different big ideas can build up many styles of plans. And students can learn one or many techniques and skills from them. Since all of the peers here have different culture background with me, I can learn more thoughts and know more things from another cultural perspective in art.For my teaching portfolio, I should add more of my artworks, because to be an artist is essential for an art educator. And I will prove my ability to make unit plans and lesson plans. My teaching philosophy also has changed during the study, it is more rich, content and meaningful. I hope I will keep revising my portfolio in the future by hard work.