Sunday, June 17, 2012

Annotated Bibliography - Torbett


1.     Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice. (2001). Functional behavioral assessment. Retrieved May 29, 2007, from

The Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice is centered on problem solving and its processes in the addressing of student problem behaviors.  Most of the research and assessments, in particular the functional behavior assessment consists of videos containing intervention plans. It covers the definitions and origins of functional behavioral assessment, what is involved in conducting a functional behavioral assessment and the criteria for determining when one is needed, and other relevant issues surrounding this technique.  The video set will prove helpful, as it will offer insight as to how to perform effective assessments during the data collection process.


2.     Sawyer, R. K. (2007). Group genius: The creative power of collaboration. New York:  Basic Books.

Professor Sawyer, is an Associate Professor of Education, an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology, and an Affiliated Professor in the Program in Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. His focus on “interaction analysis” began while studying his doctorate degree.  This book focuses on guided and planned improvisations that enhance creativity in the collaborative learning environment.  The book presents research on the collaborative nature of the mind, and also offers insight to the creative collaboration process.  This book differs in that it uses comparative research in the workplace, and draws conclusion and connection from the success of both students and group workers in the professional environment.

3.     North, A. C., Linley, P. A., & Hargreaves, D. J. (2000). Social loafing in a co-operative classroom task. Educational Psychology, 20(4), 389-392.

The authors, reasearchers at the University of Leicester, UK, and Roehampton Institute, Digby Stuart College, UK, make reference to ‘social loafing.’  Emphasis was placed on the potential impact of group size on social loafing.  Reference is made to the importance of group collaborations as a means of:  a) developing a variety of transferable and b) assisting the development of students that are less able.  There is a central focus of educational gains acquired by created collaborative classroom activities.  The research data is conducted on Undergraduate college students vs. High Schoolers. 


4.     Negus, K., & Pickering, M. (2004). Creativity, communication, and cultural value.  London: Sage Publications.

The authors, Pickering and Negus, are researchers hailing from the United Kingdom and span studies of musicology, media, and cultural analysis.  The book deals with creativity, the communication thereof, and the culture of it.  The main focus is to counter both the fallacious and opportunistic views of the term.  This reference will be used as a way of breaking down the term “creativity,” and will encompass the use of it in the classroom as a means of studying group interaction while creating.  The main goal of this article is to put into perspective a singular model of the term, and uses of it to enhance communication and cultural growth.  This will serve as a viable resource, as it will help zero in on the term in affiliation with communication and culture.

5.     Moran, S., & John-Steiner, V. (2003). Creativity in the making: Vygotsky's contemporary contribution to the dialectic of development and creativity. Creativity and development (pp. 61-90). New York: Oxford University Press, Inc.

Moran, PhD., human development and psychology, Harvard, and Vera John-Steiner, PhD. Presidential Professor of Linguistics & Education, University of New Mexico, perform research based on the Russian, Lev Vygotsky.  Vygotsky was an icon in the early research and theory of developmental and child psychology. Vygotsky theorized that learning jumpstarted mental development and knowledge construction was a social, cooperative venture. Because of his notion of the zone of proximal development, through which a less capable person learns with the aid of a more capable person, and his extensive work on the role of language in mediating relationships, Vygotsky’s strongest influence has been in teacher training and linguistics.  This will serve as a sound reference, as it is important to understand theories of development prior to collecting data.


6.     Mason, J. (2002). Qualitative researching. London: Sage Publications.

Jennifer Mason, Professor of Sociology, Co-Director of Morgan Centre for Study of Relationships and Personal Life, University of Manchester, UK, has authored the qualitative research document that I will use as a “handbook” while forming the qualitative study.  The book defines qualitative research and presents challenges in obtaining it.  This will serve as a wonderful tool in helping the research process remain true to its type.  This book will serve as nothing more than a tool to help better collect, record, and present data, which makes it quite contradictory to the other references.


7.     Michaelson, L.K., Sweet, M. (2008). The Essential Elements of team-based learning. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 7-14

Larry K. Michaelson, University of Oklahoma, and Michael Sweet probe interest in team –based learning in small groups.  This will serve as an extremely important facet in future research, as it deals with smaller group practices, which will be a similar setting for the research that is to be conducted.  It focuses on assurance testing, peer evaluations and the proper introduction to team based learning in the classroom.  The article also deals with Expanded use of team-based learning in Professional Schools and International settings, which may pose little needed information for this particular study.  However, there is information that is also presented involving team based learning and Instructional Technology, which will serve as an invaluable tool.


8.     Smith, M. K. (2003, 2009). Communities of practice: The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved May 2, 2009, from http://www.infed.org/biblio/communities_of_practice.htm#conclusion

Mark K. Smith, author of this article, spends time focusing on Wenger’s idea that communities of practice are formed by people who engage in a process of collective learning in a shared domain of human endeavor.  There is much ideology placed on characteristics of communities of practice, and the three elements consisting of the domain, the community and the practice.  There is research that emphasizes that to learn to talk is a legitimate peripheral participation.  T=Focus is dealt with Learning organizations and learning communities. Te research concludes with issues and implications or educators and amateurs.


9.     Gokhale, A. A.  (1995). Collaborative Learning Enhances Crtitical Thinking.  Retrieved June 5, 2012, from

The researcher of this article, Gokhale, is an Associate Professor at Western Illinois University, sets forth his independent variable, which focused on method of instruction.  This variable carries two specific categories, Individual Learning and Collaborative Learning.  This information can be helpful as it shows the independent learning variable that can be used to measure individual vs. group learning in either environment. The research is put in specific steps, and clear sets of data measuring tools are used.  The chosen two methods are lecture and worksheet.  Both sets were used on both the Individual Learning Group, and the Collaborative Group.  His findings are quantitative, which could not be used in the research, but his methods could prove as useful tools.

1.  Slavin, R., Schlomo, S.,  Kagan, S., Hertz-Lazarowitz, R.,  Webb, C., Schmuck, R. (1985).  Learning To Cooperate/Cooperate To Learn.  Plenum Press, New York

This book consists of multiple articles stemming form Professors from a variety of Universities to Include John Hopkins, University of Oregon, and study in the Education Departments there.  He brings forth the ideas that over the past decades that human beings have pushed to live closer together and react and learn in closer knot environments.  They claim that there are two “streams” of historical thought that flows from the work of Hohn Dewey and the other flowing out of the work of Kurt Lewin.  The article presents Historical research on the theories of Cooperating Learning.  The main focus of my research will stem from the question of “What happens when we change from the traditional classroom to cooperative methods?”  They have been studied in two principal areas:  student achievement and students social relationships.  This will be a main resource for the upcoming research to be performed.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Blog Topic - Torbett

BIG R'S  5 Things that I hold true to teaching:

1.  LEAD BY EXAMPLE
2.  MOST   STUDENTS WANT TO LEARN
3.  BE TRUE TO YOURSELF AND TO OTHERS
4.  DONT BE AFRAID TO THROW YOURSELF OUT THERE IF NEEDED
5.  CAREFUL AND CREATIVE PLANNING ARE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL ARTMAKING.

The Lens of My Research

My Lens will be the students.  Everything observed will be of them and their collaborative work.  I will be waring y lens as I watch and interract with them.  The students will be artmaking using this theory.  Group participation will be mandatory, and all students will be graded on these concepts.  They will also be rubericked as groups in efforts to gause their work n the environment.



Monday, June 11, 2012

Blog Topic #15 - Art Making & VTS

Art Making has been a wonderful additive to the entire VTS experience for me.  Creating a Unit was a challenge, especially taking the path that I chose.  Curriculum standards have served as a road block, but I am certain that through art-making experience with VTS, I will conjure up some great ideas.  


I really learned alot form watching Amy's Summation, as it really hit home that alot of imagination, theory, practice, and most importantly, sound creativity must be evident.  I have also learned the value f image selection.  It has become one of my strongpoints this semster, and has truly served its purpose in "bringing home" a lesson plan that produces good/positive results. 


Practice makes perfect, is a good quote to work with while art-making through VTS.  Practice comes from the facilitator, flows through the student, and finishes with the piece of work created.  I feel advanced students may have given a more positive design approach, but I am pleased with the result.  I liked (or wished) to introduce Illustrator and InDesign topics with the projects.  This made it a bit more challenging for the students when art-making.  I may revisit this idea in the upcoming year.


It has been a wonderful, busy, eventful semester!

Unit Summation - U.S. History through a VTS lens

Unit Summation - U.S. History Through A VTS Lens
Russell A. Torbett

There you have it....A "not so good" copy of my Summation.  It has been a passion of mine to successfully teach art across the curriculum, in hopes of allowing students to better understand that art plays a role in, not only our everyday lives, but throughout U.S. History.  We can visually see history thanks to all of the Artists that documented our Nation from the beginning.  I hope this video gives the meaning to all of us that it has to the History books, whether some believe it or not.  There is a better copy at this link:  http://youtu.be/fFsw1SuahAo  

Please view at your leisure and let me know what you think.  There is sound, so crank it up!  

Thanks to all for a wonderful semester.

The Ragster

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Blog # 14 - Summative Assessment

Henry Samuel Andrews Torbett with Big Brother Charlie, May 22, 2012



Life sometimes takes wonderful, expected turns that prevent us from finishing the drill.  Due to the arrival of my son, I was unable to complete the final VTS of my summative image.  So, as a new happy father, I am going to answer the summative questions to the best of my abilities with what I have to work with.  Here we go:

Good Choice?

Absolutely.  Picking the right person to have a family with takes much thought and consideration.  Mandy is a wonderful mother.  Also, alot of research and development, mixed with much conversation was placed in choosing to have another baby, and alot of time and consideration was placed on naming him Samuel upon the news he was going to be a boy.  I wanted a strong name.  Much research was done, including a search of the US Census Bureau from 1861-1869 in efforts to find names that have "stood the test of time."  Historical names if you will.  I am not a fan of trendy names.  I think if you VTS the photos, he looks like a "strong, healthy fellow."  A Samuel.


Evidence of Student Learning?

In the fatherhood category, I am always learning something new.  No, I do not have it figured out with my 4 year-old, Charlie, and I learn something new everyday.  I feel like Samuel will teach me alot of things as well.  He looks like he is going to be a wonderful teacher.

Reflecting on VTS as a summative strategy...

HMMMMM.....I could reflect on these year-ending "summative images" all day long.  Many insights to look forward to, Tons of surprises ahead, and many, many, questions to answer.  I am guessing one may be "No, you cannot have another piece of candy." :0)

Hope this works....And I am OK if it doesnt.  

It is the perfect summation of an eventful year in my life....



Blog # 13 - Summative Assessment Image

John McNaughton - Wake Up America

Yes, the image I chose was a controversial one....As are ALL things that lead to history in the making.  This image sums up my Big Idea, as it covers all aspects of what has made (and continues to make),  U.S.  History:  Change.  Alot of people do not like it.  They don't approve of change.  They are entitled to their opinion.  So are those who approve and promote it.  It is MAJOR events that  have shaped our country.  The willingness to change.

It is appropriate for assessment, as it contains many references to the Constitution, to the very core that shaped our country.  It shows change, it gives you the sense that the artist feels enslaved.  It also shows that a new movement is in place, as a sort of "Frontier" in the making. 

The biggest idea that I was hoping to have revealed would be that U.S. History is shaped by things that occur that cause us to take a side and exercise our rights, and fight for them.  No matter what the view is, the ability to progress is necessary, and it is those willing to fight for what they believe in, whether artistically, literally, verbally, or physically, change will occur, and make History.



Blog #12 - VTS Peer Critiquing



Peer Critiquing

For OBVIOUS resons, when thinking of strengths of VTSing as a peer, you can only imagine the positives.  I love to constructively critique each piece of art that I come across.  It is in my nature to do so.  Therefore, I am a active critiquer of student art products.  I know what makes a good design.  I know the design process.  I also know if used, that the process works.  I think that peer critiquing helps take students to the next level with their work (not changing their ideas of course).  It seems that with High Schoolers, they never go beyond their first idea. In other words, I get the vibe that usually they think their first idea is always the best.  A good critiquing session can push them to generate more ideas.

A main weakness that could derive from the critiquing method would be the confidence crusher portion.  Students at the high school level do not take kindly to criticism, wheter construcive or not.  Alot of times, they want to "give up" when asked to reevaluate their work of art.  Sometimes they even tend to try and become your Robot and not even try on their own, but seemeingly depend on constant direction from you, the critiquer.

Students do not respond well to writing period.  I cannot begin to tell you how students react when told to write anything.  So, when asked to write, I got a negative response.  Students when verbally critiquing need prompting.  Once you get them going, and they see that it is not a vicsious cycle, but a means of collaborative achievement, they seem to be more ready and active.

I would repeat this approach, but would put much more focus on the process.

More focus would be placed on the art of constructive criticism, or making them understand that it is okay to critique works of art.  That it is a valuable tool.  I would do this in efforts to get a more activie initial process. 

Week 12 - Reading & Reflecting

The two articles offer persuasive points on art and learning.  I feel as though both articles offer a positive insight on development, and focus on the importance of art across all curriculum.  Winner and Hetland make great points in that art is literacy, to say the least and that problem solving skills are developed if the ideologies are put into place and practiced.  I am set in the belief that art making and art learning cannot be  judged specifically on test scores, as there is no way to put a boundary on creativity.  In a contradicting sense, I also believe that "thinking outside the box" (the box being boundaries, of course) can also aid n the learning of processes.  Therefore, the two articles, although methodologically different, can also prove to be effective.


The two articles argue that one method is more effective than the other.  I agree that they are different, but they both have valid points.  Their basic conclusion seems to draw the most effective result, that "art" has a place in the learning process, the processes used for problem solving, and the positive growth of students taking it.  

Blog # 11 - VTS Reflection


Reflecting on VTS

This far along, as I reflect upon my Unit, I am quite pleased.  My plan of trying to “teach outside of the curriculum” and tie art with U.S. History seems to be working.  I guess you could call this my efforts to show the importance of art in EVERY subject that is taught, especially how it played/plays a key role in the development of History. 

Also, I am excited as my VTS Unit master plan is beginning to come together, much like our country.  My Big Idea has sort of been to use a foundation (VTS I), and carefully tie foundations set forth by the colonists (U.S. History), in the form of a Nation coming together with my VTS knowledge coming together.  I guess, much like My Great VTS video, taken to the next level.  I hope this made sense.

From a critical standpoint, my biggest challenge has and still remains to be tying art curriculum (taken from standards) to VTS.  I feel like the absence of standards would better allow me to do more to promotion of art making.  I do understand that VTS is not only Fine Art, because that would limit it to one subject.  My struggle has been having to limit it to Graphic Design’s specific standards dealt to me by the great state of Georgia.

Blog Topic # 10 - 2 Image Reflection




Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad, Paul Collins


Runaway Slaves On The underground Railroad,  Artist Unkown

2 Image Reflection

I originally thought that by VTSing 2 images at once, that there would be a lot of confusion while VTSing.  I also went ahead and prepared myself to do twice the facilitation.  To my surprise, many wonderful things came from this experience for me. 

There were not any negative experiences for me, as this turned out to be the best VTS that I have ever facilitated.  I think some of the positives derived from the choice of subject matter within my Unit, its impact on the students, and the artwork that I chose.

I chose to label the images A & B, which I think helped the students easily reference and compare the two images.  It also helped me facilitate and direct easily and smoothly for the 2. 

A lot of comparing and contrasting that took place during the exercise, but also there was a lot of individual VTSing that took place concerning each image.  In other words, some students singularly VTSed one image at a time, verses comparing.  I would change nothing in comparison to how this VTS went.  19 Minutes!!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Research Translation II - Torbett


LTC 8750 – Research In Art Education
Russell Torbett – Graduate Student
Summer 2012

                  Art is prevalent all around us.  It encompasses everything we see in one way, shape, or form.  It even has its place in the prisons of New Jersey.  Carleton Palmer conducted a qualitative study over the course of 6 years, spanning from 2000 – 2005, in which efforts were made to create a successful art program for the incarcerated youth at the Nassau County Correctional Center in Long Island, New York.

                  In the research article presented, the problem was not clearly stated, but was made evident throughout the article.  The obvious challenge dealt mainly with the physical constraints of building a successful digital media-based art program for inmate youths.  The were many variables addressed, which mainly focused on the art-making process of the youngsters as they were making their way through the program. 

                  The research seemed well organized, as the author took you through the processes that were used, the materials, the programs, and the cognitive result of the approaches to the problem.  I found that most sources were relevant, as they dealt with the many types of leaning styles, the operational definitions of artistic processes, cognitive styles, science and art, and the implementation of the usefulness of concepts that were applied.

The main hypothesis or theory of the subject matter dealt mainly with the idea that more must be done with less.  In other words, there was little to work with, and that a lot must be done in order to prove the program successful.  The hypothesis is an extremely directional one that flowed from the simplest elements needed through the programs, hardware, and software (which were limited).  It then turned towards the inmate’s ability to successfully filter cognitive learning skills while using the limited resources.

Adequate measurement tools were used, as each specific device, whether hardware or software were described in detail.  This simply gave you a clear understanding of what each inmate had to work with, how they were to be used, and how using these tools can help them discover a developmental method of creating a complete, digital work of art.  Most tools were qualitative in measurement and carried a sound description of the result.  The selection process of these measurement tools are defined in most of the descriptions, which seemed to give the reader an adequate grasp on the problem of working with minimal, dated materials in a restricted and contained environment.  Obviously (and as stated in the article), software became dated quickly, which brought about numerous additional challenges for the instructor.

The end result was summarized in saying that there are potential differences between the traditional and digital processes that influence aesthetic decision-making in the instructional context of the program. It is also stated in the conclusion that due to the success of the program, hundreds of youths have been introduced to the concept of digital art-making, the realities of the digital art culture, and the importance of applied decision-making concepts.  These examples can only define a successful art education program for the incarcerated youth at the Nassau County Correctional Center.

Chapter 6 - Eyework

Count, Measure, and Chart

In my research project, there is much to measure and quantify.  One particular aspect would be that of students utilizing the entire design process while artmaking.  You could gather statistical dat upon completion of their use of the Design Process by surveying them and grading them on a rubric-based system to find which processes are prevelant throughout the class as a whole.  You could represent this on a pie chart, breaking up percentages of each of the processes, and the percentages of which ones were used.

Ethnographic Observation

As this project is only in its introduction phases in which data serarching is being conducted on campus, it is virtually impossible to try and use Ethnographic and culture critiquing at this time.  Research such as this would have to be utilized while studying and observing your classroom.

Chapter 5 - Legwork

Data Sources

There are data sources that I have considered for my Qualitative Research that have already proved to be efficient and worthy pieces of data.  FOr instance, I have surveyed 18 students, both previous and present.  I have gathered good feedback from about 1/3 thus far.  Some other data that I could consider for my research would be as follows:
  • What video and audio data could be used?
  • Are there journals kept in which research was conduted on the processes used to complete art pieces?
  • Is there documented processes of artwork used in art making?
  • Are there official documents that have been preserved by State and Federal archives?
I could use the Internet to collect this data, and also utilize Public Libraries, both local and state for materiels.  I could also retrieve permission from individuals that have conducted similar research.  I would have to (more than likely), invent audio and video data while observing students during the artmaking process.  The closest available substitute if video and audio were unavailable would be to reference TED, YouTube, or other educational audio or video feeds.


Chapter 4 - Headwork


The Emic

When stepping in, I can only begin by defining who I am in reference to education and my beliefs in the system.  I have stated numerous times that I believe we can NEVER learn too much, nor become too educated.  So, when it comes to my classroom, its students, the material or curriculum, and other affiliations within it, I can only say that I strive to have a seperate and complete learning institution within the learning institution.  I was a child who refused to learn.  Who found loopholes, created distractions, and avoided seriousness while in High School, and it is because of the hard lessons that I have had to learn (and endure) that have shifted my focus to primarily teachin ALL students the importance of learning and retaining information for the benefit of self accomplishment.  I am excited to see when a student "gets it."  When they get that look on their face that proclaims "I have figured it out."  From experience, I know that when I fall upon a moment such as that, I never forget it.  That is the satisfaction of knowing that the specific learning task was retained for that individual.  He/She wasnt doing the motions, they were learning, and retaining.

The Etic

When stepping out, I see a corrupt, political, misguided system that is NOT working.  I am not going to utilize this topic as a chance to "bash" the system, but only point out that when a teacher is put under the gun to cover so much material in a singular circumstance, that alot of information is hurried through when, at times, there is information that more time should be spent teaching.  This would be done in order to allow a student to retain information.  I read somewhere that when studying before a test, a person is MOSTLY storing the information in their short term memory (much like I did before an Algebra test).  Once the test is completed, the information is rmoved, and most of it is forgotten.  It is here that I wish to intervene into the system, and start focusing on Learning via creation, literacy, adhering to principles, and repetition of those principles rather than ONLY focus on curriculum to get you through a test, and then most is tossed.  I would LOVE to talk to the State board of Educators and our Govorner, Nathan Deal about how the system is beoing overlooked, misguided, and abused.  Also I would discuss how education is the foundation to everything.  money, jobs, lifestyle, the works!

Looking At The Evidence

What surprises me?  The statistical data that I am finding in regards to retained information, but with this generation...nothing is surprising  :0)

What intrigues me?  The idea of potentially creating an actual solution that may work and serve as a milestone for helping the IT generation stay off google and resort to the art catalogue in ther BRAINS!

What disturbs me?  The lack of excitement for today's youth to learn about and create physical bodies of work.  It REALLY disturbs me.

I think there will be many steppingstones and humps to overcome.  Firstly, I am still struggling a bit to actually zero in on the "Big Question."  I want to cover various things, vs. covering 1 individual subject. I feel like there could be humps with getting to the core of the students' indivual learning characteristics.  I am worried that my data may only hold true to a specific style of learner.  Maybe that in itself is a more revising effort coming out.  

Chapter 3 - Bridgework


What I Know

I must admit that I am a poorly self-disciplined individual.  I am extremely disorganized, but have my own way of shelvng a filing my things.  I have never been a journal keeper, although I love the idea.  I just cannot organize my day enough to make this happen.  Therefore, I feel it would be better for me to compare the differences between not keeping a journal and keeping one.  Keeping a journal would better organize my data, thoughts, and ideas.  It would also allow me to keep a permanant reference of materials for research.  I do read Media Journal, Communication Arts,  Print Magazine, and occasionally, the quick literary review, but I do not typically have (or arrange) time to review journals.

Students today hate writing it seems.  We do a mandatory writing assignment (carefully coined), "Writing To Win,"  three times a week, and continue a sketch book called that I call Creative Caffiene.  They enjoy the visual Journal much, much better.  I have recently been forcing students to come up with written materials to go along with their assignments.  This helps students write about their own collective visualizations.

Google-ogrophy

learning retaining, and utilizing art curriculum (searched)
About 9,490,000 results (0.30 seconds)

After creating a search using the key words listed above, I found many hits that could take me down numerous paths in reference to my topic.  I have already learned that my topic may be a bit broad still.  I also learned that there are alot of helpful insights on curriculum creation, which excites me as I often am trying new things in the classroom.  

I could try using alternate keywords, or sources, but I feel that the qualitative research is going to be out there.  I am also stemming my basis of research through working with previous students from past art classes that are pursuing degrees in art, as well as working with students that are currently taking my course. Any information that I would deem nominal would be printed and downloaded.

Bibliography Practice

I can always use more material when working on a study.  After all, my life motto is you can never learn too much.  I can easily eliminate some sources that I felt were valuable, and I am still considering condensing my big question even further. Most of my researched material is in the same genre, but I am going to use video, as well as tool and alot of interviewing students and other teachers.  If I were to refine my paaper again it would be more specifically focused on retaining art curriculum in  a world of instant gratification of web sources.

Chapter 2 - Scratchwork


What Works?

Explore Trial Questions

-How can teachers utilize curriculum to motivate students to learn, retain and apply art as a problem solving method in everyday life?


Position Yourself

- I am an educator. I feel it is my place to ensure that all students are equipped with the necessary tools needed for essential life skills. This goes above and beyond the classroom and lends a primary focus on the everyday life of individuals.

-There could be ethnical issues based on the cultural communities in which the studies would have been conducted.

-The best-served student would be those whose primary focus relies on leadership qualities and capabilities.

-There could be ethnical issues of all ages and eras based on the cultural communities in which the studies would have been conducted.

-I choose to leave this topic blank.

I believe they should face the difficulties, as that is what makes us stronger.

I will choose to redirect this question in efforts to better understand.  I do not feel the need to answer this again.

Chapter 1 - Prepwork


Writing Process


Good Grammar
Wonderful Type and Text knowledge
 Effective communicator on paper
 Understand the methods f writing
Teaching across the curriculum

Most audiences are complied of age groups 14-18.  We tend to write across the curriculu.  Using Historical authors as a sense of Illustrating words.  Also, slogans are used with appropriate text selections.

·      How narrow or broad shoud a reserch article be?
·      What is the format?
·      What are the barriers?

I will dissimate my research on a more clearly focused agenda.

As mentioned, at this stage, I have little organiztional skills and bad teaching habits.  I use the computers for all assignemt creations, and save them in folders which I print as I work.

I feel that the ultimate adjustment to make in my classroom is to provide a creative and enthusiastic envirnment that is not tarnished by out-of-line behavior.  I will need to have more classroom management and less close ended lectures. I have used learning maps in the past and they have proven to be a little effective.

I will make time for data review during my planning period.

List of Organizational Goals:

  • Prepare solid Units
  • Work the Units
  • Append the lessons and create sound rubrics
  • ·      Survey the lessons with stdents upon completion



Biggest Strengths:

 Experience (4 years of Project Building & Execution)
Ability to focus on the interested students/career oriented students
I have many Advisory Board Members that are willing to help
I have wonderful writing and communication skills
I wish to fulfill the big dream of 100% of Introduction students following all three classes and passing the standardized test, while retaining the information.

Biggest Weaknesses:

·      Lack of all necessary tools/equipment
·      Lack of Time
·      The class is an elective, meaning that students are sometimes pulled out in efforts to complete core assignments.
·      I lack necessary research and implementation skills
·      Lack the knowledge of finding GREAT resources

The most disastrous outcome woul dbe lack of praticipation in projectts, causing misbehavior and disruption in the learning environment due to lack of interest in topic.

While working backwards, I see a final result to suggest that my biggest goal in this research would be for EACH student to produce Solid works of art, enjoy and understand the processes, and utilize the processes to create better work based on application buliding processes that can be applied in basic problem solving skills.  

I wish to accomplish:

·      Completed website displying strong pieces of work for each Unit that is taught
·      Create semester long interactive groups in which students can discuss, blog, analyze, and VTS the work of other students offering constructive criticism as a means of improving art and learning tactful methods of delivery.
·      An Art Show which exhibits student work while profiling the student
·      Create an effective portfolio building expreience for future college and career students.


I am an extremely unorganized individual.  I feel as though it is my biggest weakness.  This begins first with procrastination.  I also tend to "ping" at times when I feel as though challenges become abundant.  For these reasons, I will confess I am NOT a good problem solver.  I usually resort to the basics.  If I am lost (as I have been since my arrival at Mizzou, I utilize a basic map to find my way.  I also ask questions.  I am not afraid to admit that I am human.  I feel this is a strong characteristic of myself.

I tend to be less prepared to make my way through a long term problem, hence procrastination.  I am able to prepare for a problem or situation, but not by using though out processes.  I typically address these issues  periodically in my mind as time goes on, then jot down potential solutions.  Much like I write a song.

Unfortunatelay there is little difference in my methods of problem solving, both short and long term.  I will be asking for help with this one!

I have personally made it a goal to dedicate this time in collecting data that could serve as a positive means of getting students excited about Art.  Some immediate sources for data collection would be:

·      Access of pass/fail rate of End-Of-Pathway Tests taken by student over the course of the last year (since its implementation).
·      Create a more organized series of examples of successful pieces, materials, and supplies.
·      Plan more accordingly
·      Implement warm up exercises that could serve as "Caffiene for Creativity."
·      Discuss project implementation with experienced Art teachers in the field.
·      Utilize Chattanooga State & UT-Chattanooga's archives and instructors as a means of creating more progressive  assignments that better prepare and engage students.

Create more "Visual Strategies" that could be used in efforts to push students beyond their initial scope of learning.


I feel it is my place as an educator to research and strategize what makes a student:

1.    Want to learn Art, and therefore, learn
2.    Appreciate its place in the world
3.    Retain the information given about Art
4.    Apply the information in problem solving skills in their everyday life
5.    Explore career opportunities in the field of Art.

My ideas and strategies derive from my desire to be a sucessful teacher.  One who teaches the necessary life skills for the survival of today's youth.  Also, to use Art as a means of cultural harmony in efforts to meet the demands of Humanity that I feel is lacking in todays "non-social" youth. I have compiled a list of questions that are interesting to me.  They are listed below:

1.    What motivates students to learn the basic elements in art?
2.    How can these elements be applied in daily life challenges?
3.    How can these basic elements build a solid foundation in teaching curriculum?
4.    How can I (as a teacher) utilize curriculum to motivate students to learn the basic elements of art and apply them to everyday life?
5.    How can I utilize the basic elements of art in each Unit's subject matter?
6.    How can we use the basic elements of art to help students relate to the cultural differences within the classroom?


Tensions In the Classroom:

·      Tensions begin to develop early with lack of respect from students.  No offense, but I am 38 years old, have served my country, have been in school consistently since 2004, and have been educated by the real world and its many culture.  Do not disrespect me.  This goes beyond the classroom in the lack of respect for authority that is missing in the home.

Tensions With Administration:

·      I feel as though tensions begin to develop with Administration when hard work goes unnoticed.  I notice a sense of tension when when on teacher works harder than others, and some get all recognition for the efforts of few.  Politics, if you will.
Tensions With the Curriculum:

·      Tension starts early in this category.  With the implementation of End of Pathway testing, and State mandated standards, it becomes quite difficult to cover all material within a limited time.  Especially in an elective environment (and an art class).