Art teachers: What were your biggest challenges pre-pandemic? What new issues have you faced in recent months? (Sketch from a symposium of art profs in Pennsylvania)
My Heart goes to all Teachers that are doing their best to be creative with providing quality education and instruction in these times. Thank you for teaching Art! and never give up. The world needs Artists more than ever.
I run a class for older adults and my greatest challenge is to get them to want to create- not just find a pretty picture and copy it. I can't seem to inspire them to risk thinking outside the photo frame and create something unique. I try to bolster their self esteem but their own fears keep getting in the way. They are just comfortable playing in their safe place and just painting something that already exists as a photo. How to counteract this? Or should I just let them play and leave them alone? Kat Moody
I run a painting class for older adults and my greatest challenge is to get them to want to create- not just find a pretty picture and copy it. I can't seem to inspire them to risk thinking outside the photo frame and create something unique. I try to bolster their self esteem but their own fears keep getting in the way. They are just comfortable playing in their safe place and just painting something that already exists as a photo. How to counteract this? Or should I just let them play and leave them alone? Kat Moody
In reply to Kat Moody: I also teach older adults and find the same problem. However, in a class of 10-15 there are usually about 3-4 that really want to learn. They want to push themselves and grow. The majority is there to play and be social. They just want to spend a couple of happy hours and take something home that's nice (and safe). Be glad to have a couple that are sponges and want to grow. Those are my favorite students and I have long email conversations with them and give them free advice and feedback outside the classroom, as it also makes ME grow.
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ReplyDeleteMy Heart goes to all Teachers that are doing their best to be creative with providing quality education and instruction in these times. Thank you for teaching Art! and never give up. The world needs Artists more than ever.
ReplyDeleteI run a class for older adults and my greatest challenge is to get them to want to create- not just find a pretty picture and copy it. I can't seem to inspire them to risk thinking outside the photo frame and create something unique. I try to bolster their self esteem but their own fears keep getting in the way. They are just comfortable playing in their safe place and just painting something that already exists as a photo. How to counteract this? Or should I just let them play and leave them alone?
ReplyDeleteKat Moody
I run a painting class for older adults and my greatest challenge is to get them to want to create- not just find a pretty picture and copy it. I can't seem to inspire them to risk thinking outside the photo frame and create something unique. I try to bolster their self esteem but their own fears keep getting in the way. They are just comfortable playing in their safe place and just painting something that already exists as a photo. How to counteract this? Or should I just let them play and leave them alone?
ReplyDeleteKat Moody
In reply to Kat Moody: I also teach older adults and find the same problem. However, in a class of 10-15 there are usually about 3-4 that really want to learn. They want to push themselves and grow. The majority is there to play and be social. They just want to spend a couple of happy hours and take something home that's nice (and safe). Be glad to have a couple that are sponges and want to grow. Those are my favorite students and I have long email conversations with them and give them free advice and feedback outside the classroom, as it also makes ME grow.
ReplyDelete