Maryann F. Kohl

In my experience there are many differences in teaching primary and secondary school students. However, in every art class no matter what age, the majority of students have either a lack of interest or confidence in their artistic abilities. While teaching in a high school art class, I was tasked with introducing the concept of 2-point perspective and assigning a project that uses the concept to three ninth grade classes.

Two-point perspective is a challenging topic for students, and even some adults, to grasp. Because of its complexity, I anticipated it being a longer project. Therefore, I wanted to further challenge the students by giving them more creative freedom than usual. This would allow them to choose a topic of interest that would make the project more enjoyable and personal for each student. After multiple exercises drawing geometric shapes, text, and objects in perspective, I assigned the students with a drawing of a themed cityscape in two-point perspective. I encouraged them to create a cityscape that they would want to visit whether it be a city made of candy, from a different time period, or based on a favorite movie, was up to them. For example, I completed the project on my own for the students to see and recorded the steps I took to get there. After sharing with the students, I immediately received multiple sighs, sour faces, “that’s way too hard”, and “there’s no way I can do that” comments. In all fairness, I knew this would be challenging for them, but I was confident that, with the right instruction and tools, each student could be successful.

Coming up with an interesting theme or idea is difficult, and the first idea is rarely the best idea. As a professional artist, I tend to brainstorm multiple ideas before committing to one. This exercise helps students develop ideas while challenging them to apply their knowledge and use critical thinking to form new ideas. In this process, I began to see sparks of excitement within the students as they developed interesting and complex ideas that impressed me. Students picked their favorite idea and were then instructed to further develop that idea with details and possible plans for them in their drawings. For example, one student decided to draw a city inspired by the Steamboat Willie Cartoon. Some details included piano keys as a road, a hat shop in the shape of  Minnie Mouse’s hat, a steamboat restaurant, and various buildings inspired by musical instruments. This is one of many ideas that impressed me with the amount of creativity and thinking that the students developed.

In addition to having the students practice drawing objects in perspective prior to this assignment, I also supplied the students with additional resources such as handouts and video links to assist them in drawing their themed cities in perspective. There were plenty of challenges that the students faced during their drawing, but by the end of the project, the students were comfortable enough with the concept that they began helping one another when a problem arose. I observed them work harder on this project because of their interest in their themes. Additionally, their ability to draw realistic buildings that they imagined on their own was helpful. These students did not only correctly draw cityscapes in perspective but they created cities full of imagination and wonder that not only surprised me, but themselves as well.

Seeing these students be proud of something that they didn’t believe they were capable of creating is one of the many reasons I want to be a teacher. Not every student comes from or lives in the best or even average circumstances, but every student deserves to be believed in and given a fair and appropriate education to make them successful.

My philosophy of education is simply this: everyone, including myself, is responsible for creating and working to create the best possible education for every student. Not every student needs the same instruction, advise, or words of encouragement. As an educator, it is our responsibility to encourage all to achieve the next level of their life, no matter what that may be.

My goal is to inspire students to want to learn or to find what they are interested in. This could be through interdisciplinary lessons, learning activities, research, and projects that give each student room for individual creativity, such as the project above. I will challenge students to think, to explore different cultures, to investigate history, to use math to create precise artworks, to experiment with different medias, and to not limit their possibilities. Interdisciplinary lessons will demonstrate how art is involved in other subjects and everyday life.

I also believe that it is important to communicate with each and every student to create appropriate relationships with them. This will help teachers know what each student needs to receive the best education for them. It is equally as important for educators to be prepared to be flexible and patient with and for every student. In addition, I also believe that it is important for educators to communicate these specifications to continue the same level and accuracy in each classroom. When appropriate communication is taking place, and the students are sincerely the focal point of the institution, genuine learning by all of us will take place.

With this in mind, as an art teacher, I think it is important to incorporate as many “non-art” lessons within the art curriculum as possible. By doing so “we” encourage creativity, individualism, and active hands-on learning. Art has the ability to engage students and to allow them the freedom to create work that is related to the subject matter they care about. By doing so, students will be able to see the relation between their interests and their education that will hopefully motivate them for their future beyond graduation. Ultimately, it is my goal to support students in whatever they find their interests to be. I will provide them with the individualized instruction, tools, and resources they need to be successful and to keep surprising themselves. Hopefully, the combination of these things will instill confidence in each of my students that spans beyond their art and into their everyday lives.