A World of Change, Hope and Peace - 2015 By Jessica Feldheim
Today we live in a GLOBAL world, a world of Change, Hope, and Peace. As citizens of this world, we need to work together to figure out how to populate the Earth together safely. Part of this new paradigm shift includes generating new ideas by encouraging a dialogue to occur across the fields of arts and culture, policy and business, and education. We need to help our students become competent citizens, workers, and/or leaders of the world that are well equipped with the knowledge and skill set necessary to succeed in this INTERCONNECTED world.
Since I am a Visual Art Educator my contribution is to teach my students how to think outside the box, while they uncover their own unique gifts and talents. In my opinion the most important thing that I can do for my students is to teach them how to CONCEPTUALIZE an IDEA. Just for this purpose I have created some very unique concept based curriculum that is applicable for any grade level. It is laid out as a UNIT BLOCK, and works well while teaching across the curriculum.
I always begin by introducing a Concept via Powerpoint. Then the process goes something like this:
What I have discovered about using this concept based curriculum is that no matter what age group I am working with, everyone is able to find their own buy in, and this process can be used in any field as a brainstorming tool. Within this unique creative process of discovery, all types of collaboration and invention are possible, and everyone wins.
Another thing that I am known for as an Educator, is that I hold the bar very high for my students. After I hook them I require them to work hard and apply themselves to strive to attain their vision. None of this can happen without effort, and hard work. I do encourage humor and FUN as well. After certain rules are laid down, and a sense of mutual respect is established, true learning can take place. Components of restriction and free expression are involved, and lots of praise. This is truly my mission.
Today we live in a GLOBAL world, a world of Change, Hope, and Peace. As citizens of this world, we need to work together to figure out how to populate the Earth together safely. Part of this new paradigm shift includes generating new ideas by encouraging a dialogue to occur across the fields of arts and culture, policy and business, and education. We need to help our students become competent citizens, workers, and/or leaders of the world that are well equipped with the knowledge and skill set necessary to succeed in this INTERCONNECTED world.
Since I am a Visual Art Educator my contribution is to teach my students how to think outside the box, while they uncover their own unique gifts and talents. In my opinion the most important thing that I can do for my students is to teach them how to CONCEPTUALIZE an IDEA. Just for this purpose I have created some very unique concept based curriculum that is applicable for any grade level. It is laid out as a UNIT BLOCK, and works well while teaching across the curriculum.
I always begin by introducing a Concept via Powerpoint. Then the process goes something like this:
- Computer research and the building of a concept board via collage
- Searching for ideas via drawing / doodling and writing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Group project
What I have discovered about using this concept based curriculum is that no matter what age group I am working with, everyone is able to find their own buy in, and this process can be used in any field as a brainstorming tool. Within this unique creative process of discovery, all types of collaboration and invention are possible, and everyone wins.
Another thing that I am known for as an Educator, is that I hold the bar very high for my students. After I hook them I require them to work hard and apply themselves to strive to attain their vision. None of this can happen without effort, and hard work. I do encourage humor and FUN as well. After certain rules are laid down, and a sense of mutual respect is established, true learning can take place. Components of restriction and free expression are involved, and lots of praise. This is truly my mission.
