| Art Education Papers |
A Teaching Philosophy in Progress
When I stop dreaming about how to be teacher, I suspect I will stop teaching. For that
reason, I hope my Teaching Philosophy will always be a work in Progress.
Art begins as a social activity and becomes an intellectual pursuit. When students are
allowed to freely discuss what matters to them; they will be less conscious of what they are
drawing or painting – thus cutting down the amount of self-editing and negative self-
criticism. A noisy art classroom is often a productive classroom; allowing students to talk
to their peers can help facilitate production.
I think I should do all I can to get to know all of my students. When students see that who
they are individually is of great importance to their teachers, they will become better
involved in their own education.
Students should be given enough information to get started and allowed to experience
and figure out some things on their own. Telling students everything in a step-by-step
fashion will produce clones and while it will work for some students the majority will
benefit greatly from minimal instruction and an opportunity for individual
experimentation.
I believe it is important to ask a lot of questions and allow students an appropriate amount
of time to answer. I want to provide the time and the guidance my students need. I think
teachers should answer in positive statements whenever possible. I believe gentle
corrections are always better than harsh admonitions. Students should know what is
expected of them and must be responsible for their own work and actions.
A person’s education must be tied to his daily life, as well as linked to his future, rather
than merely presented as preparation for the future. Teachers should be clear about their
expectations of students and the projects students are asked to do should have a clear
objective, rather than the appearance of mere busy work. School should be fun, enjoyable
and challenging. If kids are bored it is a disservice to everyone.
Artistic practice is helpful as a means to developing a good sense of self-worth, confidence
in personal abilities and an attitude that no task is to difficult. If as a teacher I can help
set this in motion then I have done my job.
When I stop dreaming about how to be teacher, I suspect I will stop teaching. For that
reason, I hope my Teaching Philosophy will always be a work in Progress.
Art begins as a social activity and becomes an intellectual pursuit. When students are
allowed to freely discuss what matters to them; they will be less conscious of what they are
drawing or painting – thus cutting down the amount of self-editing and negative self-
criticism. A noisy art classroom is often a productive classroom; allowing students to talk
to their peers can help facilitate production.
I think I should do all I can to get to know all of my students. When students see that who
they are individually is of great importance to their teachers, they will become better
involved in their own education.
Students should be given enough information to get started and allowed to experience
and figure out some things on their own. Telling students everything in a step-by-step
fashion will produce clones and while it will work for some students the majority will
benefit greatly from minimal instruction and an opportunity for individual
experimentation.
I believe it is important to ask a lot of questions and allow students an appropriate amount
of time to answer. I want to provide the time and the guidance my students need. I think
teachers should answer in positive statements whenever possible. I believe gentle
corrections are always better than harsh admonitions. Students should know what is
expected of them and must be responsible for their own work and actions.
A person’s education must be tied to his daily life, as well as linked to his future, rather
than merely presented as preparation for the future. Teachers should be clear about their
expectations of students and the projects students are asked to do should have a clear
objective, rather than the appearance of mere busy work. School should be fun, enjoyable
and challenging. If kids are bored it is a disservice to everyone.
Artistic practice is helpful as a means to developing a good sense of self-worth, confidence
in personal abilities and an attitude that no task is to difficult. If as a teacher I can help
set this in motion then I have done my job.
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| Kathe Welch |
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