The teacher recognizes that patterns of learning and development differ individually within and through the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical fields, and designs and implements executes developmentally appropriate lessons and experiences that are also challenging.
This standard is significant because every student deserves an individualized learning experience, as all students are different. There is no one-size-fits-all curriculum or lesson plan, and trying to implicate one only hurts the students. To understand and be cognizant of the different stages of development marks an okay teacher from a great teacher, and will be shown in the success of her students.
Student Portfolios
Student portfolios are a magnificent way of measuring student growth for both the teacher and the pupil. As students complete more projects throughout the year, they can look back and reflect on how they’ve built up their skills over time. Students in more advanced art classes have years’ worth of sketches, designs, and projects to look back on. Portfolios also help the teacher see how a student has improved over time, as well as what fundamental concepts need more reinforcement.
Sketchbook Assignments
Sketchbook prompts are a great way to keep students thinking creatively outside of the classroom. Some prompts are more open-ended, while some are more procedural. This allows the teacher to see how each student interpreted the prompt and get a better grasp of student interests, as well as individual strengths and differences. A number of developmental differences can go unnoticed in an art classroom unless a teacher makes extra effort to connect with her learners.
Canva “Is Graffiti Art” Choice Scaffolding
A great way to account for learners at all developmental levels is to incorporate choice scaffolding into lessons and activities. In this project, students were instructed to work in teams and make an infographic using the website Canva that defends the group opinion. Groups with less experience in graphic design can use one of numerous templates that are offered, whereas groups with more experience can create their own poster from scratch or make more advanced modifications to a template. This highlights ISTE standard 2.5a for educators, which describes using technology to accommodate learner differences and needs.