Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy centers around my role as teacher in the classroom. I not only take on the role as leader of the group but I also function as the facilitator between the students and the medium.
As a leader, my classroom environment fosters a genuine sense of trust and respect between myself and the students. This is reached through verbal encouragement and investment of time. I make myself available outside the scheduled class time during office hours and through informal studio discussions. This interaction motivates students to be at their most creative and artistically productive.
In the classroom, I present information in an interactive manner to expand the student�s knowledge of technical skills, craftsmanship in material and concepts, work ethic and professionalism. To achieve this, I employ various methods to communicate a new idea to the students including written lesson plans, slide or digital images illustrating the lesson, verbal explanation of objectives, demonstrations of the process and hands on experience by the student. This method of watching, then doing, achieves the highest rate of retention while giving them time to explore their own ideas and to developing the necessary technical skills. The project is concluded with a class critique, written self evaluations by the student and my evaluation. To encourage the success of the students, a schedule, objectives and methods of evaluation are presented in a clear and concise manner on the first day of class, verbally as well as written in the syllabus. This syllabus also includes grading policies, my availability and contact information, and their responsibilities to the keeping up of our equipment and materials and safety information.
As a facilitator, I will foster a positive work environment by allowing the free exchange of ideas. I will encourage students to share with one another their skills and knowledge by leading by example. I have found much value in being open to generational and cultural diversity as well as new technology and non-traditional materials. I encourage students to invest in ideas that are relevant to their personal experience, while also encouraging them to broaden their knowledge base.
I encourage students to go to local art openings, galleries and museums, while also organizing field trips and inviting artist workshops. Attending state and national arts conferences during my undergraduate years was very significant in my development as a young artist. I enable my students to do the same by organizing fundraisers. I also encourage students to show their work at all levels, teaching them to work with deadlines and galleries. Learning to document work digitally and with slides is included in this process. More advanced students learn to develop portfolios while exploring career options.
In summary, I believe in fostering an honest, dynamic learning environment. A sincere regard for the students success is essential to being an effective teacher. Leading the students in a variety of experiences inside and out of the classroom will result in the expansion of the student�s artistic vocabulary. In my experience, each new class and individual offers new learning opportunities. I enjoy the dynamic between myself and students who are ready and willing to learn, and also from those who facilitate the expansion of my teaching experience.