Feb 16, 2021
Hour: 1
Today John introduced a new assignment for the class. It is a photography project where he wants his students to take 20 new photos and edit 8 of their favorite ones. He also went over the basics of how to take a good photograph. He stressed that it is not the equipment, it is how you used the equipment.
In the overview, he talked about lighting, composition, perspective, and different camera settings to make the project a success. This was really neat because I am also learning new things with the class. After the overview, he offered troubleshooting hour for the students if they have any additional questions.
Feb 17, 2021
Hour: 1
Today was half business day and a half critique day. John set up meetings with students who have missing work or falling behind in his class and worked out individualized agreements with them so that they can be successful. It was a nice thing to do, especially with distance learning.
Afterward, we did a makeup critique for the students who did not turn it in on the day it was due. Only two students participated but it was a fun group. Even though the students had a hard time figuring out photoshop, they were so lively and animated during the critique.
Other than what was on the agenda for the class. Today struck me on an emotional level in why I want to be a teaching artist. As a teaching artist, I want to inspire and form a relationship with budding artists, especially when they are in high school and middle school. I feel that this period of time is crucial for their development and providing support will set them up for success in whatever direction they choose to go on. Weather in a career or otherwise.
What I like about observing John’s class through PiM is that he takes a humanistic approach to his students. He sees them as people rather than numbers in a classroom. John works with his students on their level and accommodates their needs as necessary. I also like that in his classroom there is very little classroom hierarchy and mass production of students with no direction. He believes that every student has a direction and he wants to ensure their success.