Kristen Kaiser - Standard 03: Learning Environments

Standard 03: Learning Environments

The teacher works with learners to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, encouraging positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self- motivation.

Where isn't an art classroom?

As much as I would love to gush over an art room that I had organized and adorn with student art, it's really the stage I set when I'm present and I take anywhere.

I've made an art room out the beach on a student's last day of summer school (hard sell) and brought the virtual art room to a student's kitchen table.

The beach lesson was a found natural objects arranged into compositions at the beach. In this lesson, the students had free choice to work with a friend or alone, and gather what then deemed to be correct for their vision. The idea that it would encourage creativity and ownership (3B). Found out it was too much freedom. Designated studio spaces to work in and later to showoff their creations (3D).

When online learning dropped in our laps, we had to figure out to recreate the entire learning environment. First thing was to set up the website so students could find their lessons on a platform that was welcoming, pleasing to look at, engaging, and offered all the supporting documents (3B). Next, the lessons were reworked to accommodate for a wide variety of materials. Emails and notices were sent out to students where to find their lessons. Then online classes where booked. From there, more emails for the questions, one-on-one instruction to help with misunderstandings , and figuring out how to make a project with a student's limited supply of ...anything. The lesson's criteria was stretched to accommodate every students possibly limited access (3D). I regularly asked students what I could do and change to help in their learning. Did it make sense, was everything accessible, what should I change? (3A)

A how-to video with a intro explaining the goal of the lesson, and noting to have respect for others and their differing perspectives. (3F)

A short clip welcoming students to the new website learning environment. (3A,N,O)

In this slide show, the point made how as artist and printmakers, communication is our end game. Whether is virtual, on a poster, or painting. (3H)

I decided to change course in the middle of a class. I verified before switching gears that it was OK with the students. (3K)

I'm explaining the nuances of drawing an image larger via the grid technique after they had investigated the lesson on the webpage. (3C)

Below is a full view of Power Portrait Lesson Webpage with all the document links, how-to videos, slid show, vocabulary, rubric, step by steps, tips, etc. All the interactive technologies for a student to responsibly access. (3G)

Keeping the children's attention on the beach on the last day of summer LearningWorks was a trick. Also, as a teacher and talking to ELL students about objects that aren't necessarily known "school" words took some clarifying and example work. (3D,K)

While on the "Studio Tour" during the beach lesson of found object art, students discussed their art, answered questions, and gave their opinion. (3F, R)

The Indicators

2.1.3. Performance – Indicators:

A teacher…

3 A. Collaborates with learners, families, and colleagues to build a safe, positive learning climate of openness, mutual respect, support, and inquiry.

3 B. Develops learning experiences that engage learners in collaborative and self-directed learning and that extend learner interaction with ideas and people locally and globally.

3C. Collaborates with learners and colleagues to develop shared values and expectations for respectful interactions, rigorous academic discussions, and individual and group responsibility for quality work.

3D. Manages the learning environment to actively and equitably engage learners by organizing, allocating, and coordinating the resources of time, space, and learners’ attention.

3E. Uses a variety of methods to engage learners in evaluating the learning environment and collaborates with learners to make appropriate adjustments.

3F. Communicates verbally and nonverbally in ways that demonstrate respect for and responsiveness to the cultural backgrounds and differing perspectives learners bring to the learning environment.

3 G. Promotes responsible learneruse of interactive technologies to extend the possibilities for learning locally and globally.

3H. Intentionally builds learner capacity to collaborate in face-to-face and virtual environments through applying effective interpersonal communication skills.

2.1.3. Essential Knowledge – Indicators:

A teacher...

3I. Understands the relationship between motivation and engagement and knows how to design

learning experiences using strategies that build learner self direction and ownership of learning.

3J. Knows how to help learners work productively and cooperatively with each other to achieve learning goals.

3K. Knows how to collaborate with learners to establish and monitor elements of a safe and productive learning environment including norms, expectations, routines, and organizational structures.

3L. Understands how learner diversity can affect communication and knows how to communicate effectively in differing environments.

3M. Knows how to use technologies and how to guide learners to apply them in appropriate, safe, and effective ways.

2.1.3. Critical Dispositions – Indicators:

A teacher…

3N. Is committed to working with learners, colleagues, families, and communities to establish positive

and supportive learning environments.

3O. Values the role of learners in promoting each other’s learning and recognizes the importance of peer relationships in establishing a climate of learning.

3P. Is committed to supporting learners as they participate in decision-making, engage in exploration and invention, work collaboratively and independently, and engage in purposeful learning.

3Q. Seeks to foster respectful communication among all members of the learning community.

3R. Is a thoughtful and responsive listener and observer.