Teaching the Visual Arts Teaching That Does Not Promote Learning Makes as Much Sense as Selling That Does Not Promote Buying!

Teacher must do more than transmit more than information—need to know the “location” of students and who they are at this time. Teaching as artistry. By artistry I mean a for of practice informed by the imagination that employs technique to select and organize expressive qualities to achieve ends that are aesthetically satisfying. Note the importance of critical feedback.

The most important effects of good teaching are located outside the classroom. Students learn more and less than what we intend to teach. Our educational aspirations for our students are almost never completely realized.

What Arts Teachers Need to Know and DO to Teach Well Have the ability to engage students imagination. Knowledgeable of the technical requirements related to the use of materials. Ability to read the quality of the student’s work and to talk in supportive and constructive ways.

What Arts Teachers Need to Know and DO to Teach Well Ability to model skills and language students are expected to know. Know when to back off! Know how to “work the room” with regard to materials and supplies. How to set-up problems that allow for the personal and make clear what is not obvious.

What Arts Teachers Need to Know and DO to Teach Well Make connections to pertinent works of art.

Impediments to Artistry in Teaching Routine Lack of self-reflection; No connection to art (enthusiastic?) “The teacher teaches him or herself as well as the subject” might be the significant aspect of what is often referred to as the “hidden curriculum.” Ironically, it’s not hidden from students.