During this general observation of my students, I noticed that the students
asked more meaningful questions and I also noticed, by their observations, that
their answers were more in depth. Overall, most of my students picked up on
small details and tried to analyze the artwork.
The students noticed
“Color, color, color” that is dark, foboating, depressing, and gloomy. Then
they moved to the man on bed that looked like a medical bed or a military bed. Then,
they related the pile of clothing being 6 feet high as if it were six feet
under or in the grave. They were exhibiting a form of reasoning out on what was
going on in this image. They came up with different scenarios that might be
behind the work.
They were: 1)
They observe the man on the bed that it might be a solider and the clothes were
the weight of war. 2) They noticed pieces of clothing “a pair of sweat pants
and shirts”. 3) With in the difference of colors within the clothing really had
powerful ambiguity that helps this shape that is tomb like to pull the viewer
in.
What did my students learn
from this VTS lesson? That it’s okay to have an opinion, that this class can
have an open dialogue or they were in a safe place to say what was on their
minds.
The feeling of this lesson was great and
after awhile I was in the groove with what they were saying and wanted to join
them in a discussion of this artwork. They had it going on and it did not feel
like a VTS lesson for me, but finding what the meaning of this artwork is. They
have grown so much over the last few weeks and I’m so amazed by my students. I
was very surprised that they are learning. I think that the VTS lessons are
coming to a place that is opening up my students, so that they can understand
viewing artwork is different than just looking at it. I was so happy today that they have come so far in just this
short time.
PEER COACH:
ReplyDeleteHi Shirley! It sounds like this discussion was your best one yet. First, I really like the image you chose to VTS with your class; there is a lot to notice and interpret here. It seemed like your students were offering a lot of rich contributions. It's good that they were ready to participate...did you notice that all students participated, or did some sit back and watch? I agree with you that these discussions are probably bringing your class closer together and allowing students to feel more comfortable around their classmates.
I am impressed that they were not only making observations, but really connecting them to a deeper meaning. It's interesting that one referenced the clothing pile to being "six feet under the grave"! I'm not sure I would've made that inference, so that's really neat. It sounds like this class has become more comfortable with the VTS format.
My only suggestions would be to stick to the wording of the three questions, and trying to utilize question #2 to encourage further analysis. I agree that vocabulary when paraphrasing is something we can all work on, and is especially challenging at the college level. It is important that we repeat answers with even more clarity.
Great observations, Shirley (and great coaching, Kenzie)! I can see why you were excited! The discussion really picked up momentum and I think its success has seeded even greater success for future discussions. Do focus on mastering the questions as written. (Simple, seemingly insignificant working changes can impact responses.) This will free up brain space for paraphrasing (which we all are constantly working on!) Kenzie is right; with college students, paraphrasing will be a little more challenging for you. Don't think that you always have to paraphrase with more complex vocabulary, though. When students' vocabulary is already advanced, simplifying their expressions (for others who may actually appreciate that!) is fine! One thing you might also do is go back to your video and listen carefully to your paraphrasing. Look for instances where you may have added your own interpretation to a comment or added a detail. This may have happened once or twice. Make THEM do the cognitive work and hammer away at the second question to make them do it!! Loving your growth, Shirley!! Keep up the great work!
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