Student Success in the Art Room

Art classes have always been an experience I look forward to. There is usually a way to create something unique and meaningful within the structure of an art lesson. Allowing students the freedom to approach an art lesson with a certain amount of personal choice will ideally motivate them to see the project through to completion. The satisfaction involved with creating a product that evokes a sense of pride and enjoyment also plays a role in student success in the art room.

The art room is a place where students can talk quietly after the demonstrations and directions for their project. I think students really enjoy visiting with their classmates and are free to continue doing so as long as they are working. As a student teacher, I tend to spend my time assisting students with their art and reminding them to follow the art room expectations. These expectations range from respecting art materials, to appropriate noise levels and creating quality work that meets the requirements of the lesson. There are times when students need to be reminded that there are requirements for a reason, to develop new skills.

There is also a sense of community in the art classroom. Students tend to ask each other for help and work well together, offering suggestions and ideas for creative problem solving. There are a couple of students who want other people to do their work for them, so you have to be aware and encourage them to practice to learn new skills.  I tend to remind them that we are all here to learn together and unless you continue to practice a skill, you will struggle with it. The more you practice these skills the more successful you will become in the art room.