To ensure mastery of the material, the teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and frameworks of the discipline. She then uses that knowledge to design learning experiences that empower student learning and inquiry across all developmental and ability levels.
This standard is significant because for a teacher to reach their fullest potential, they must not only be knowledgeable on the subject matter, but also able to convey that knowledge to varying levels of understanding. A full grasp on the content, as well as a thorough understanding of pedagogical practices is what’s needed to ensure this standard is reproduced every day in the classroom.
Painting Sequentially with Watercolor
I demonstrate my understanding of content knowledge in this artifact by showcasing my expertise on technique and application, an important section of visual arts SOLs. Watercolor is one of my preferred media, and because of my familiarity with its application, I am able to address common misconceptions before students start working on their final projects with paint. I talk the students through my hypothetical painting process by using the whiteboard, and check for understanding by asking questions and prompting students to finish my sentences. The visual aids with student understanding as I break down my composition into smaller sections to work with.
Reflections
Reflecting is not only a big part of the creative process, it is also a valuable skill that allows us to grow as individuals. In my creative process unit, I give my students a handout to complete and keep in the front of their sketchbooks to reference. This handout is a list of reflection questions that prompt the student to think about themselves as an artist. This differs from the reflection questions I ask at the end of each unit, which generally ask students to reflect on their work and processes during a specific project. In order for students to think like and artist and reflect like an artist, I have to first get students to see themselves as an artist. Artists of any skill level have to reflect on themselves, their work, their processes, and the outcomes of their actions. Increased self-awareness results in higher self-efficacy. Actively reflecting enables my students to set higher expectations for themselves.
Animaker Elements of Art Activity
In this activity, students are pulling from their prior knowledge of the elements of art while trying their hand at animation. Using the virtual animation studio called Animaker, students are given the task to make a 1-minute video describing one of the seven elements of art. The purpose of this assignment is to get students acquainted with the art of animation, and to highlight an innovative way to share information. Students have to think critically and creatively as they meet the requirements for the activity. This not only allows students to demonstrate their understanding of a fundamental concept in new ways, it also highlights ISTE standard for educators 2.6c, which is to create learning opportunities that challenge students to use a design process or computational thinking to solve problems.