Through a process of self observation students are advised to watch their learning to discern what styles work best for them. This is a kind of mini personal inquiry.
During the process the student can ‘check in with self.’ When feeling frustrated the learner can puzzle out why? Conversely when the artist is feeling proud or triumphant she can look at the reasons for success.
If the student keeps a learning diary a pattern will appear. I am not suggesting that the student work out what is easy and continue with only that. This would be a trap! Becoming ‘typecast’ in a mode of expression would be narrowing and confining. The development of creativity requires experimentation, commitment to growth and continual risk. Moving out of the comfort zone is encouraged.
When devising Learning Pathways the student begins with a project in mind. It could be making an animation or illustrating a story, choreographing a ballet or writing a play. The stages of the project are set out for the student to approach piece by piece. The next indicated step in the project points the way to what the student will need to learn to bring the project to realisation.
The teacher can be a companion within this process by showing the student how to map out a pathway.
As part of this process I encourage the students to arrange to receive Photoshop Instructional emails twice a week. They watch and file these emails making sure to index them logically for future access. When a tool or technique is needed the appropriate movie clip will be available.
This works well because
- the student does not need the assistance of the teacher to locate instructional knowledge
- the student does not need to ask for help or wait until assistance is available it is on tap 24/7
- the movie clip can be watched repeatedly while the student experiments until successful
- the movies are fun and short enough for even quite young students not to become frustrated or overburdened by large quantities of complex knowledge
- watching someone use a technique is easier than reading about it or listening to someone talk (for some any way)
- if the files are stored on a lap top they can be accessed any where with out the need to lug books
I have found this a highly rewarding way to learn and to teach.
