Critique Approach

In my Theory and Practice class, we discussed ways of approaching a critique for middle/high school students.   When I was in my first and second year of college, I had a professor that used this method of group critique and I thought it was really successful.  I’m adopting his methodology for my personal teaching practices.  I hope this is helpful!

A critique approach for a secondary art class:

Have students hang up their work, or if it is something three dimensional have the students place their work on one table.

·         Introduce the critique and talk about what you will be specifically looking for in their art works.  These specific things may be part of the lesson objectives. 

·         After you discuss this briefly with the class, have the students break up into groups of four based on where they are sitting.  You (as the teacher) will then pick four pieces of art work for each group to discuss.  Pick works that are more successful and some that are less successful so the students have a variety of work to talk about.  Have the students get out of their seats and get close to the work so they can examine what they will be discussing.

·         When the students are sitting in their groups you will give them four typed slips of paper.  The papers will have about three questions for the groups to answer.  These questions will be a reflection of the lesson objectives, for example – how did the artist complete his/her composition? 

·         Depending on how much time you have in class, allow the students to work together in groups and fill out a critique paper for each work (approximately 10 minutes).

·         When the students are done discussing the work, have everyone come back together as a class.  Pick one or two works from each group to discuss with the entire class.  Picking these works randomly will make sure that the students are prepared to talk about all of the works that they wrote about.

·          The works that weren’t discussed in class as well as the ones that were discussed will have a slip of paper with their classmates’ feedback on it, from the group critique.  Since class time is limited I think that is important that everyone gets feedback about their work.

I would use this approach and make a routine out of it, so students know what to expect on critique day.

    

The Elements and Principles Book Take Two

Here is my book and lesson plan, new and improved, enjoy!!

Values, Morals and Beliefs - The Elements and Principles Book Take Two

To make an accordion fold book:

Materials:

• Colored construction paper
• Covers 6 1/4 x 4 5/8"
• Strips to make pages, at least 2 per book, more if you want to make a longer book.  The strips should measure 6 x 18".

Fold long strips in half; fold each half to the middle, making a 'W' shape.  Glue one page at the end of the strip to another.  Press accordion folded pages into a stack.  Center covers on top and bottom and glue on.  Paste endpapers into book.  Endpapers cover the inside page where the regular pages are glued to the cover. 

Values, Morals and Beliefs

Start by making a list of your values; name at least 15 things that you value.  Put a star next to the three things that you value most.  What makes these things so important to you?

Think about morals that you have for yourself and perhaps how they relate to your values.  Also think about your personal beliefs.  What do you believe in?

Once you've done some exploring and figured out what your values are, you will work in your accordion book using a combination of words and images to illustrate your values, morals and beliefs.  You may use any available materials to complete this task.  You are encouraged to find quotes as well as words that inspire you and use them in your book.  Your book is to not only to explore your values, but also to include Olivia Guide’s post modern principles of art.  While working on your book, think about the elements and principles of design.  Try to work on your composition as a whole to create unity.  Pay close attention to the colors and shapes that you use and how they correlate with the words you chose.

After you've completed your book, write a few words of wisdom and tuck them inside the small envelope.  This envelope should be part of your book in some way, shape or form.  You may choose to seal your words of wisdom in the envelope or leave it open for the viewer to read.