As a newly qualified teacher, my teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that art education exists firmly in a careful balance between technical skills and creative conceptual freedom.
Though my PME research project titled:
“Bridging the gap, Integrating technical and conceptual approaches in 2nd level art education.”
I have developed my own method for tackling this, called “The Integrated Art Learning Framework.” Integrating both technical and imaginative elements, I aim to support students in becoming confident, capable, and reflective learners. I respect and recognise the realities of assessment structures and curriculum demands. My approach will be to guide students in developing the skills that they will need to prosper academically, while always ensuring that creativity is not sacrificed.
Giving Students a strong starting point in practical and observational drawing will also benefit them massively overall. I work hard everyday on my drawing skills as I believe it is the foundation to all forms of artistic creation. These skills are something I am adamant on passing onto the students in my art classroom.
“Drawing is not just a way of reproducing what you see; it is a way of seeing.” – John Berger
Using drawing as a technical and fundamental building block I want my students to be able to have no limitations when it comes to imagination and have all the necessary skills at their disposal to take on any project or task, they put their minds to.
Student creativity is also at the centre of my teaching practice. The school system is extremely fast paced, pressured and exam result focused, I personally believe that the art classroom should offer something different. In my art classroom, I hope students will feel safe to explore their identities. Exploration and experimentation will be valued and be seen essential parts of my classes learning process. I also believe that it is equally important that they are given space to tackle things independently, take risks, and express their own own unique ideas. I will actively encourage curiosity and the development of each student’s personal voice.
Overall, I see my role as a teacher to help my students not only improve as artists but also discover a sense of belonging within the classroom. I do not just want to develop my students' artistic abilities, I want to encourage students to think critically, interpret the world around them, and communicate in creative, unique, and powerful ways. I strive to make relevant and engaging lessons that will connect my students to art outside the classroom and in the real world. My art classroom will be a place where I will aim to shape student confidence, allow them to become expressive individuals and feel valued, supported and inspired.
