Intrapersonal Knowledge Field Study Summary Errin Gregory – Fall 2007 TLITE Graduate Diploma Simon Fraser University

Inquiry Questions:  How can I use digital photography and image editing software with grade eleven and twelve students to strengthen their self concept, motivate their learning and increase their intrapersonal knowledge?  What exactly is intrapersonal knowledge and how can I increase student awareness of self concept?  How will different creative processes affect student motivation while exploring self concept?

Identity…  A key aspect of adolescent development is identity formation.  Identity formation is the development of a clear and consistent view of self and one’s commitments to others and plans for the future.  Identity formation leads to decisions with long term implications.

Self…  Self concept is the foundation for self esteem and intrapersonal knowledge.  Both self esteem and intrapersonal knowledge are key attributes found in ‘successful’ people.

Self Esteem…  How do I feel about myself?  Based on self knowledge.  Without a good idea of who one is, one cannot have a strong sense of self esteem.  We need to know what it is that makes us unique with our own particular set of abilities, characteristics, etc.

Intrapersonal Knowledge…  “Knowledge of self”  Phrase coined by Howard Gardner (psychologist) as part of his theory of multiple intelligences  According to Gardner, intrapersonal knowledge is one of the seven important forms of intelligence.  People who are successful are often successful in large part due to their strong intrapersonal skills.  E.g. They know their strengths and make the most of them; they know their weaknesses and compensate for them.

The why…  By exploring student self identity and increasing students’ intrapersonal knowledge, I hope to cultivate a stronger sense of self which will lead to an increase in students’ self esteem.  By making students more self aware, I hope to help them become more successful people  By making students more self aware, I hope to help them become more successful people

Self Portrait Project Part 1  Using manual SLR cameras and traditional darkroom techniques, create a self portrait. Self Portrait Project Part 2  Using a digital SLR camera and image editing software (Photoshop), create a self portrait.  The purpose of the self portrait is:  To communicate something about oneself  To increase one’s intrapersonal knowledge

Social Context + Technology = Visual Representation of Today  We rely on and are surrounded by photographic and visual representations of ourselves and others  Identification - driver’s license, status cards, etc.  Internet - especially social networking sites:  MySpace  Nexopia  Bebo  Facebook  Avatars

Avatars:  an internet user’s representation of him/herself  Forums  Instant-messaging  Computer games  Virtual worlds

The Action Research:  Baseline data  Student motivation (daily)  Photoshop CS2  Literature review and other research  Howard Gardner, Daniel Goleman, Bob Dalton from UVIC

Baseline Data from 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 Class/Grade – 2005/2006 Assignment # of students % assignments handed in on time Average % earned Art 8 Self portrait drawing assignment Art 9 Self portrait drawing assignment Art 10 Self portrait drawing assignment Art Foundations 11 Self portrait drawing assignment /2007 Class/Grade – 2006/2007 Assignment # of students % assignments handed in on time Average % earned Art 8 Self portrait drawing assignment Visual Arts: General 10 Identity Project Art Foundations 11 Identity Project Visual Arts: Media Arts 12 Portrait146470

Field Study Data from 2007 Class/GradeAssignment # of students % assignments handed in on time Average % earned Art 9 Self Portrait: Self Identity Visual Arts: General 10 Self Portrait: Self Identity Art Foundations 11 Self Portrait: Self Identity Art Foundations 12 Self Portrait: Self Identity Visual Arts: Media Arts 12 Self Portrait: Self Identity (Manual SLR and Traditional Darkroom Methods) Visual Arts: Media Arts 12 Self Portrait: Self Identity (Digital SLR and Image Editing Software) *Volleyball a factor affecting timely completion of projects by the VAMT 12 female students

 The data shows that students were more motivated during the Self Portrait Project Part 2 which used digital photography and image editing software.  I believe the increased motivation led to a higher average class percentage on the final digital piece compared to B&W  I believe that more learning occurred as a result of the integration of technology.  Because of the findings and the experience, I decided to alter the traditional self portrait unit in Art to incorporate digital photography

Student Samples – VAMT 12 Self Portrait Project Part 2

Student Samples Self Portrait, Self Identity

Support systems:  Megan Gregory, Honours Student BFA, University of Victoria  Robert Dalton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Victoria  Surrey TLITE cohort, especially mentor Susan Hunter-Jivung and my mentor group  Kim Halayko and Paul Beland - administrators at Lillooet Secondary School