Monday is approaching quickly, and I'm mostly prepared.
I begin student-teaching on Monday. Two 3-D classes, and a ceramics course, a prep-period and an observations period.
My master teacher seems excited, and I am too. I am a little nervous, but not nervous enough to not enjoy the experience. I'm writing up some lesson plans as the little one is napping now. One of the lessons is in a medium that I'm not confident in - I don't have a strong background in fiber-arts, or basketry. That is what the lesson is on. I'm not sure that the lack of background is a bad thing, though. I'm hoping to focus more on the sculptural qualities of the project - which is where some of my strength lies. I'm just as excited to learn where the student's creativity lies, as I am about my own in creating an entirely new (to us)project. The ceramics lesson plan should come a bit more naturally - I just don't know how fast the students will work.
There are so many ideas floating in my mind now that I need to put down on paper, and activities, and assignments... but I am trying not to lose the sense of wonder and creativity, and least of all - the ability to spark the students' imagination, and encourage their own exploration. How do I reconcile the two worlds in the allotment of a 55-minute class period?
I feel like I'm suddenly seven years old again, at the basement of the local YMCA, standing at the edge of the giant pool, hearing the instructor: "okay, it's time to jump in."
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Monday, January 08, 2007
The power of rejection
The grades are in - and I was confident I had a 4.0 this semester. Again, I missed it by one grade - one I thought would be an "A" turned out to be a "B".
"B" is a great grade, and I am happy with it. I earned the "B"... but maybe I could have worked a bit harder to earn the "A". I was a little cocky in this class - being repelled by some of the attitudes from my fellow students (future History and English Teachers). Much of the time I heard comments and snide remarks directed to the Art students: "ha ha, now you have to actually work for a grade". (I beg YOUR pardon?)
I tuned them out. It wasn't that important for me to work hard in that class and impress those people. I earned the "B".
During a recent visit with family, we discussed the local art goings-on in their community. Recently, the local art center hosted a juried competition. Someone expressed disappointment that there were no jurors who are not directly involved in the community art center. Since it's a small community, all the entrants know the judges.
Those who had not been accepted felt that they were slighted on a personal basis, and those who were accepted now question whether it is because of the quality their friendships - or their art work.
Nobody is looking at the quality of the art, and letting it speak for itself. The tourists buy whatever is placed out (sometimes).
An unbiased point of view is key in these situations. My instructor worked off of an unbiased point-system. Apparently I didn't earn enough points for an "A" - but it was because of my work, and I have the work to review, and improve for the next time.
An unbiased juror for the local community art show would have been a blessing. Those not accepted could work their wares further, and bring a higher quality for the next time.
Sometimes, in art and academia, "no" means "no, not yet - work harder". You find that you can do better than that, ...and then you do.
"B" is a great grade, and I am happy with it. I earned the "B"... but maybe I could have worked a bit harder to earn the "A". I was a little cocky in this class - being repelled by some of the attitudes from my fellow students (future History and English Teachers). Much of the time I heard comments and snide remarks directed to the Art students: "ha ha, now you have to actually work for a grade". (I beg YOUR pardon?)
I tuned them out. It wasn't that important for me to work hard in that class and impress those people. I earned the "B".
During a recent visit with family, we discussed the local art goings-on in their community. Recently, the local art center hosted a juried competition. Someone expressed disappointment that there were no jurors who are not directly involved in the community art center. Since it's a small community, all the entrants know the judges.
Those who had not been accepted felt that they were slighted on a personal basis, and those who were accepted now question whether it is because of the quality their friendships - or their art work.
Nobody is looking at the quality of the art, and letting it speak for itself. The tourists buy whatever is placed out (sometimes).
An unbiased point of view is key in these situations. My instructor worked off of an unbiased point-system. Apparently I didn't earn enough points for an "A" - but it was because of my work, and I have the work to review, and improve for the next time.
An unbiased juror for the local community art show would have been a blessing. Those not accepted could work their wares further, and bring a higher quality for the next time.
Sometimes, in art and academia, "no" means "no, not yet - work harder". You find that you can do better than that, ...and then you do.
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