NFTN: Spotlight On Learning - Final Reflection in Fine Arts -Nov 24

Spot Light on Learning - Final Reflections in Fine Arts 

Submitted by: Ms. White

TEACHER REFLECTION: In previous years I have not been as intentional about the end of the semester. Having Deeper Learning week and now two days with longer blocks has given us a little more class time to finish Final Projects. As students finish their Final Projects, we do Exit Interviews and during the long block we engage in the Final Whole Class Critique. Exit Interviews are a time when I speak one on one with students about their growth over the semester and plans for their learning in the future. Students answer a set of reflective questions and self-assess using a rubric. The rubric is based on the three Core Competencies that will be on their report card. They fill out this package ahead of time and use it as a guide for the interview. I also encourage students to give feedback about what they enjoyed about the course and what they would like the teacher to change or continue. Critique focuses on the same three Core Competencies as the Exit Interview and includes time for students to ask each other questions, provide critical feedback and encouragement. Overall Deeper Learning has gone well. I continue to experiment with the order and timing of each part and to adjust details based on my own reflection and student feedback.

STUDENT REFLECTION: The whole way through high school we ended art classes with a final project, critique and exit interviews. It is so consistent which takes a lot of that year end stress away. This consistency really helps to make it less of a jarring end of year experience. I love how open ended the final project is-I got to choose what to make and what materials to use and just had to make sure it looks like a final product not just another piece of art because it is meant to show our learning from the semester. The final group critique is good. Hearing from my peers who are genuine artists can be important. When I respect their work, I know their feedback and perspective is helpful in addition to adult artists’ feedback (Ms. White or Mr. Turner). The exit interview is quite important. I used to think they were a little bit dumb, but then I realized they cover one extra thing, closure.

Read the entire News from the Nest for November 24