13.09.16
Today’s lesson was the pupil’s first practical lesson where they were introduced to life drawing and the concept of gestural drawing. The group are
quite reserved so it was difficult for the teacher to have pupils volunteer to
model for the group task of life drawing so she selected some pupils to take it
in turns to model. The pupils seemed embarrassed to volunteer but did as they
were asked when the teacher instructed them to pose. The teacher voiced her
hesitance in instructing them to pose as she wanted them to volunteer however I
feel she had to do so when the group are so quiet.
The pupils began drawing in pencil at first but then the teacher
distributed charcoal and chalk in order for the pupils to experiment with
materials and become more relaxed within the task of gestural and life drawing.
The pupils struggled a great deal of the task of life drawing as this was the
first lesson which they were drawing following the Summer break and in my
opinion it takes some time in order to get back into the swing of things. The
teacher visited each pupil individually while they were carrying out the
drawings and observed their abilities and issued advice and guidance with any
challenges which they were facing. The gestural drawing poses lasted for 5
minutes where the pupils drew the model for that time and were instructed by
the teacher as what to pose she wanted them to display. The pupils struggled
with the gestural poses which they voiced their opinions about lack of time but
it was evident that they felt it was fun as the poses changed so quickly. The
teacher used last year’s practical examination paper as a guide as to what
poses the pupils would carry out. I feel this worked well as the teacher had a
clear guide as to what pose the pupils would use and also showed clear and
effective planning on the teacher’s behalf.
The pupils then carried out 20 minute poses which they spent a great
deal of time planning the pose and the layout on the page. The teacher reminded
the pupils of the ratios in relation to the human form and the importance of
composition within the task. The teacher then visited each pupil individually
and gave guidance with areas the pupils were struggling with. The majority of
the pupils returned to using pencil for this task. A great deal of pupils faced
problems with the task in regards to proportion and composition as I observed
when circulating the room, I felt that it was not my place to get involved in
issuing direction to the pupils as this was not my timetabled lesson therefore
I was hesitant to voice my opinion. I felt uncomfortable at times as I didn’t
know if I should get involved or observe the teachers practice. I feel I need
to speak to the teacher prior to the next lesson in order to gain an insight
into what role I will play in the future lessons. Overall, I feel the first
lesson went well but the pupils will need to become more open to communicating
within the class group.
13.09.16
Today’s lesson was the pupil’s first practical lesson where they were introduced to life drawing and the concept of gestural drawing. The group are quite reserved so it was difficult for the teacher to have pupils volunteer to model for the group task of life drawing so she selected some pupils to take it in turns to model. The pupils seemed embarrassed to volunteer but did as they were asked when the teacher instructed them to pose. The teacher voiced her hesitance in instructing them to pose as she wanted them to volunteer however I feel she had to do so when the group are so quiet.
The pupils began drawing in pencil at first but then the teacher distributed charcoal and chalk in order for the pupils to experiment with materials and become more relaxed within the task of gestural and life drawing. The pupils struggled a great deal of the task of life drawing as this was the first lesson which they were drawing following the Summer break and in my opinion it takes some time in order to get back into the swing of things. The teacher visited each pupil individually while they were carrying out the drawings and observed their abilities and issued advice and guidance with any challenges which they were facing. The gestural drawing poses lasted for 5 minutes where the pupils drew the model for that time and were instructed by the teacher as what to pose she wanted them to display. The pupils struggled with the gestural poses which they voiced their opinions about lack of time but it was evident that they felt it was fun as the poses changed so quickly. The teacher used last year’s practical examination paper as a guide as to what poses the pupils would carry out. I feel this worked well as the teacher had a clear guide as to what pose the pupils would use and also showed clear and effective planning on the teacher’s behalf.
The pupils then carried out 20 minute poses which they spent a great deal of time planning the pose and the layout on the page. The teacher reminded the pupils of the ratios in relation to the human form and the importance of composition within the task. The teacher then visited each pupil individually and gave guidance with areas the pupils were struggling with. The majority of the pupils returned to using pencil for this task. A great deal of pupils faced problems with the task in regards to proportion and composition as I observed when circulating the room, I felt that it was not my place to get involved in issuing direction to the pupils as this was not my timetabled lesson therefore I was hesitant to voice my opinion. I felt uncomfortable at times as I didn’t know if I should get involved or observe the teachers practice. I feel I need to speak to the teacher prior to the next lesson in order to gain an insight into what role I will play in the future lessons. Overall, I feel the first lesson went well but the pupils will need to become more open to communicating within the class group.
20.09.16
The pupils were instructed to bring in an object of their choice in order to carry out an observational study during today’s lesson as they are beginning the discipline of ceramics where they will choose two objects and then combine them in order to create a final ceramic piece. The teacher introduced a video from the PDST website which was extremely helpful as it gave an account of a pupil’s personal experience in carrying out the new leaving cert project during the pilot scheme of last year. This was in my opinion very successful as a motivational strategy as it allowed the pupils to gain inspiration and insight into what is expected of them in the new leaving certificate curriculum. The pupils were introduced to the template of the workbook which they will carry out in their exam along with some secondary visuals of GCSE projects in order to give them an indication as to what a workbook may look like when completed. The pupils seemed extremely interested in these examples where they asked questions in relation to the objects used and materials experimented with in order to create the visuals.
The pupils were asked to bring objects however there was a large amount of pupils which didn’t bring in an object and took objects from the cupboard in the art room it was interesting to observe how the teacher reacted to this as this is a frequent challenge where pupils “forget” their objects or materials for a lesson. The teacher remained calm where she expressed her disappointment to the pupils with their lack of effort in following her instructions and stressed the importance of carrying out research and being organised within the subject as it is imperative to have an object which is of interest to them in order to carry out an observational study and base their ceramic piece on. Following this the teacher then facilitated the pupils where she chose objects with the pupils which would have interesting forms and textures in order to aid their observational study within today’s lesson. The pupils began with using pencil to carry out observational drawings of their chosen object where they indicated a good ability in understanding the elements of line, shape, tone and value. The focus of today’s lesson was also to gain an insight into the pupils abilities within observational drawing by using the basic 2B,4B and 6B pencils which will then progress into experimental drawings over the next few weeks.
I took a slightly more active role within today’s lesson where I visited the pupils individually with the teacher speaking about their objects and why they chose them but also speaking about elements which they needed to look at again in order to develop their drawings to a higher standard. I felt this was effective as the teacher involved me in her discussions where she asked me my opinion where you could say we were team teaching to an extent which I have to say I enjoyed and could participate within the lesson at a great level. The pupils were urged to take a picture using their mobile phones to record what position the drawing was in during the observational study but also to facilitate the pupil’s work which choose objects from the art room as they needed to complete these drawings for homework. Overall, I feel it was an extremely useful lesson to observe in order to view how another teacher would deal with the pupils not bringing in objects and materials but also participating in some team teaching within the lesson.
The pupils were instructed to bring in an object of their choice in
order to carry out an observational study during today’s lesson as they are
beginning the discipline of ceramics where they will choose two objects and
then combine them in order to create a final ceramic piece. The teacher
introduced a video from the PDST website which was extremely helpful as it gave
an account of a pupil’s personal experience in carrying out the new leaving
cert project during the pilot scheme of last year. This was in my opinion very
successful as a motivational strategy as it allowed the pupils to gain
inspiration and insight into what is expected of them in the new leaving
certificate curriculum. The pupils were introduced to the template of the
workbook which they will carry out in their exam along with some secondary
visuals of GCSE projects in order to give them an indication as to what a
workbook may look like when completed. The pupils seemed extremely interested
in these examples where they asked questions in relation to the objects used
and materials experimented with in order to create the visuals.
The pupils were asked to bring objects however there was a large
amount of pupils which didn’t bring in an object and took objects from the
cupboard in the art room it was interesting to observe how the teacher reacted
to this as this is a frequent challenge where pupils “forget” their objects or
materials for a lesson. The teacher remained calm where she expressed her
disappointment to the pupils with their lack of effort in following her
instructions and stressed the importance of carrying out research and being
organised within the subject as it is imperative to have an object which is of
interest to them in order to carry out an observational study and base their
ceramic piece on. Following this the teacher then facilitated the pupils where
she chose objects with the pupils which would have interesting forms and
textures in order to aid their observational study within today’s lesson. The
pupils began with using pencil to carry out observational drawings of their
chosen object where they indicated a good ability in understanding the elements
of line, shape, tone and value. The focus of today’s lesson was also to gain an
insight into the pupils abilities within observational drawing by using the
basic 2B,4B and 6B pencils which will then progress into experimental drawings
over the next few weeks.
I took a slightly more active role within today’s lesson where I
visited the pupils individually with the teacher speaking about their objects
and why they chose them but also speaking about elements which they needed to
look at again in order to develop their drawings to a higher standard. I felt
this was effective as the teacher involved me in her discussions where she
asked me my opinion where you could say we were team teaching to an extent
which I have to say I enjoyed and could participate within the lesson at a
great level. The pupils were urged to take a picture using their mobile phones
to record what position the drawing was in during the observational study but
also to facilitate the pupil’s work which choose objects from the art room as
they needed to complete these drawings for homework. Overall, I feel it was an
extremely useful lesson to observe in order to view how another teacher would
deal with the pupils not bringing in objects and materials but also
participating in some team teaching within the lesson.
27.09.16
Today’s lesson was focusing on the pupil’s concept development of
their ceramic design project. All of the pupils brought in two objects to
observe and experiment with different forms and materials. The teacher
introduced the lesson by showing examples of GCSE workbook art projects where
she indicated the use of materials and combining the two objects observed in
order to develop a possible design for their ceramic vessel.
At the beginning of the lesson the teacher asked the pupils to
produce the homework completed which was portraiture of the singer ‘Adele’.
Having observed the pupil’s life drawing lesson previously I noticed a vast
progression within the discipline where the pupils had carried out the homework
to a high standard thus indicating when a pupil is interested and comfortable
in drawing the subject matter a better standard of work is produced. The pupils
produced their homework where the teacher visited each pupil individually and
acknowledged their improvement within the discipline but also gave some time for
the pupils to work on the hair of the drawing where she felt some pupils needed
to add some ‘value’ to it. The teacher also gave some feedback to the pupils
where she issued some positive aspects but also some constructive criticism and
highlighted areas which could be worked on. The pupils received this
information well and through some positive feedback it was apparent that their
confidence was growing within the subject.
After about ten minutes the pupils were then asked to take out their
object drawings and begin experimenting with their second chosen drawing where
they were offered a range of materials to manipulate and experiment with during
their observational stage. I think the pupils became excited and enthusiastic
about using a variety of different materials and techniques in order to gain an
understanding of what materials suited their object best but also to experiment
with what materials they liked to work with and complemented their individual
styles. I took an active approach in today’s lesson where I felt comfortable in
visiting the pupils and advising them and facilitating them with some
challenges which they were facing. I feel that the pupils and I are beginning
to build a relationship within their practical lessons which was apparent in today’s
lesson where I feel that I really assisted some pupils in introducing
demonstrations in regards to techniques with oil pastels, acrylic paint and
chalk pastels. I am conscious that I am not timetabled for this lesson with the
group and I have spoke to the teacher where she has encouraged me to get
involved in the lessons and is happy to have an extra adult in the room to
facilitate with the practical work and guidance for the pupils. This encouraged
me greatly and I feel that I have a part to play within the practical lessons
as opposed to sitting at the back of the room observing the teachers practice.
One of the pupils in the lesson also enquired about portfolio preparation where
she expressed her interest in interior architecture to my surprise, I was
extremely comfortable in speaking with the pupil in regards to the course and
the content introduced to which I feel that I could assist the pupil in gaining
an insight into the discipline. Overall, I feel the lesson was successful as I
feel I had a part to play within the lesson and I felt comfortable doing so. I
found it interesting to observe how the teacher introduces the aspects of the
lesson and some of the ideas se spoke about with the pupils.
Portrait Responses
04.10.16
Today’s focus was on experimenting to a further degree with their
second chosen object but also to begin combining and experimenting with the
forms of the two chosen objects. The pupils all made an appropriate effort in
bringing in the objects which they were asked which worked well within the
lesson. The teacher gave a brief introduction where she showed examples of how
ceramic artists experiment with forms and then the final product indicating the
process involved of generating the concept development of a ceramic piece. On
circulating the room it was exciting to observe the different objects they
pupils had chosen but also to observe their individual experimentation of
materials and forms in order to generate a concept dvelopmental drawings which
will have an impact on their final ceramic pieces.
The teacher have the pupils the opportunity to use the computer and
printer within the art room to research and print any insprational artists or
ceramic pieces which they feel would impact on their final designs. The pupils
were also given the opportunity to use the four iPads which the Art department
have in order to research elements if a pupil is using the computer. I feel
this worked well as some pupils may feel they were at a crossroads with some of
their designs so some reaserch has definitely allowed them to expereice some
refreshing examples to experiment with. These elements are also essential
within their workbooks so it is a great opportunity for pupils which may not
have access to a printer in their home environments.
During todays lesson I took the opportunity to speak with the pupils
individaully where I could give them some inspiration or guidance within the
research and concept development of their ceramic designs. This was exciting as
all of the pupils are taking different directions within the project so it was
great to see and help with the design process. I feel having completed the
ceramic design module within PME1 I had some experience in combinging two
objects together in order to creat a final ceramic piece therefore I was quite
confident in speaking with the pupils regarding the process which the pupils
also seemed excited about. During todays lesson the pupils were also encouraged
to take some pictures of their objects in order to enlarge or zoom into areaas
which may give them some inspiration for their final concept. This worked well
where pupils took pictures and enlarge details on objects which they may not
have observed previously and allowed them to take an abstract approach on the
concept development stage. The pupils were urged to generate three possible
designs which will then be narrowed down to one final design. Overall, I feel
the pupils worked well in the lesson and it was a great opportunity for them to
undertake some research and gain some colour print examples of influemcial
ceramic designs for their research workbook.
11.10.16
The pupils were informed that today would be the final lesson of
generating their designs as the school are waiting on an order the ceramic
building process will not be carried out until after the midterm break so the
pupils will begin some graphic design over the next couple of weeks until the
clay arrives. The graphic design task will be in realtion to Mental Health
Awareness Poster Competition which is being carried out in the school and the
teacher feels it would be an effective topic for the pupils to carry out some
artwork around. The teacher stressed the importance of completing research and concept development
within todays lesson in order to move onto graphic design within the next
lesson. The pupils seemed excited about moving onto another task so I think
this may be a good motivational strategy in order to allow the pupils to get
excited about the poster designs but also they will be motivated to complete
the ceramic project when revisited after the midterm break.
The pupils worked a great deal independentle with the teacher and I
circulating the room during the lesson however having spoke about it we both
felt the pupils needed a great deal of on task time to complete as much work as
possible and we intervened if we felt they needed any assistance or guidance.
The pupils were also given the iPads and the use of the computer within todays
lesson where research could be conducted but they were also given the
opportuntiy to play some music of their choice on the computer within the
classroom. I feel this worked well as a strategy as the pupils seemed to
knuckle down and worked well with the music playing where they seemed to enjoy
what they were doing and were engrosed in completing work within todays lesson.
The pupils are still extremly quiet in regards to speaking up within a lesson
however they seemed extremly content while carrying out their work within
todays lesson.
Some pupils were quite behind within the process as absentisim is a
major problem within the group with a great deal of pupils absent regularly.
These pupils were urged to work on these concept at home in order to have a
concept developed to begin the constrcution period with the class group. The
pupils were also encouraged to use a great deal of mixed media within their
pieces within todays lesson in order to indicate their experimentation of their
concept development process but also to show the broad skill set which they
have aquired. Overall,the pupils worked well in the lesson and seemed to relax
an enjoy the work to a greater extend when music was played within the
classroom. The pupils will park the ceramic project until after midterm but
will engage in a graphic design task until then which I think will be a good
motivational strategy for their engagement within the subject.
18.10.16
Class
cancelled due to half day
25.10.16
The Mental Health Poster Campaign was introdcued within todays
lesson where the teacher introdcued a Powerpoint presentation involving a
detailed account of the elements which should be included with an effective
poster design. Having observed this presentation I feel it gave me a greater
insight into the discipline of graphic design as the teacher is a graphic designer
thus giving specific advice and guidelines to the pupils in relation to
effective design and communicating an effective message through their designs.
Positive mental health is particuarly important within the school setting at
the moment as their has been some tragic events in relation to this topic
within the setting in recent weeks. The pupils received the topic well and when
they were introdcued with some interesting contemporary examples they seemed to
get invovled in analysing the images and meaning behind the pieces a great deal
more than they usually would.
The teacher then gave the pupis the opportunity to use ICT to
research some ideas using the iPads in the artroom and the desktop in order to
facilitate their brainstorming process. The intrdocution of contemporary images
was successful in my opinion as it really motivated the pupil to research some
alternative poster designs but also to realise the importance of conveying a
message within their work especially within a topic which is so close to their hearts at this sad
time within the school environment. The pupils carried out the task in a very
mature manner where they all took a very positive approach to the topic which
is very sensitive however the teacher and I both felt that it is essential to
facilitate the pupils in addressing this topic as they are at such a vulnerable
age where some of their peers have major challneges with maintaining positive
mental health so it is essnetial to encourgae the pupils to speak out and
address how people may deal with the challenges in which they are facing.
Overall, I feel the lesson was very successful and the pupils recied the
content extremly well and began to generate soe exciting poster design
concepts.
Preparatory Sheets
Pupil Mental Health Graphic Design Posters
08.11.16
School
closure due to ASTI strike
15.11.16
Class
cancelled due to tragedy in school
22.11.16
The pupils began the ceramic construction of their final designs
within todays lesson. The teacher introdcued some essential subject specific
vocab to the pupils such as; Glazing, Kiln,Leather Hard etc. The teacher also
introduced a deomonstration of a pinchpot, coil pot,slab work and the process
invovled in cutting the clay. The pupils were issued with half a bag of clay
each which they would take ownership of for the duration of the project. The
pupils were also given an introduction into the process invovled in creating
slip which is essential when completing their chosen design. A new element
which I was introdcued to within the lesson was adding some vinegar to the clay
to make the slip in order to make it act like a glue. This was a very useful
tip which I will introdcue within my teaching practice in the new year when I
introduce ceramics.
Following the distribution of the clay the teacher gave a brief
intordcution into the ceramic tools which the pupils would have access to in
order to carry out their ceramic piece.The pupils then began to create the base
of their pieces with a great deal of pupils opting to carry out their pieces
through the coil building approach. A great deal of the pupils faced the
challenge of deciding what approach to take in building their pieces however
through some help and guidance from the teacher and I where they seemed a
little more confident in beigning their pieces. I was extremely impressed with
the progressed made by the pupils within the lesson as they really applied
themsleves to the task and constrcuted a great deal of their pices within the
lesson. Overall, I feel the pupils really applied themseleves and developed
their skills within the lesson as some pupils had never used clay before and
seemed to enjoy problem solving and experimenting with the challneges they
faced in beginning their construction. I will look forward to the next lesson
and observing the work prodcued by the pupils.
29.11.16
Todays lesson was a continuation of the previous lesson where the
pupils spent the majority of the lesson on task in order to complete as much as
possible within their ceramic designs as their Christmas exams begin next week.
The pupils were completing the overall structure of the pieces usign slab and
coil techniques,some pupils then began adding the details to their pieces using
various cermamic tools and techniques. The pupils really seemed to enjoy using
the clay as they issued very positive feedback where they said they found the
whole process “very satisfying”. Some pupils did face some challenges within
the structure so the teacher used a video clip featuring coiling in order to
give them a greater insight into the process involed in adding coild in order
to create a ceramic structure which was also effecitve as it help some pupils
to see the importance of the size of the coils in order to maintain the
structure of the piece.
The pupils used elements of addition and subtraction in order to
create their chosen design following the constrcution of the basic structure.
The teacher also introdcued some baking tools such as stamps and cutters etc.
which the pupils used to create particular details within their pieces. The
pupils seemed to really enjoy the detailing process of their ceramic designs
where they worked very well to create their ceramic concept designs. Overall, I
feel the ceramic designs are developing well and should be completed in the
next lesson.
06.12.16
Half
Day
13.12.16
Exams
10.01.17
Today’s lesson focused
on the gallery visit which the pupils attended prior to the Christmas Holidays
in relation to the exhibition which they will create in response to the “Gut
Instinct” Exhibition in the Glucksmann Gallery, UCC. The teacher created a
handout for the pupils to facilitate a possible gallery question within their
Leaving Certificate Examination. The handout was extremely useful as it
addresses elements such as; the building, information received about the
exhibition, genre, message, layout of the exhibition, lighting, display,
workshop attended ,use of technology etc. The introduction of such information
is very useful in my opinion as it gives the pupils a structure to work from in
order to create a gallery question response and ensuring that they include the
essential elements which they may not consider of their own accord. The pupils
issued some very positive feedback in relation to the exhibition where they
thoroughly enjoyed the experience in particular the print workshop which they
carried out. The teacher addressed the work carried out within the workshop and
as a group they decided that they would carry out some more print work over the
next week in order to add to the work created in the Glucksmann and finalise
the print work which will feature within the Glucksmann Exhibition. The pupils
have been given the opportunity to carry out etching, foam, lino print or a
collaboration of all three. The pupils will then continue to carry out a
video/performance piece within the next element to feature within the
exhibition.
A video was introduced
to the class group in relation to the exhibition.This was extremely useful
for the pupils as they had the opportunity to receive additional information
about the exhibition and the theory behind it. Following the video the pupils
had the opportunity to research possible print designs which they could create
as part of the exhibition. They used the computer in the room along with the
iPad’s a great deal of pupils were having difficulty beginning the
brainstorming process or finding inspiration for their print concepts as they
need to create a support study sheet for their final piece. The teacher took
the opportunity to give one-to-one feedback regarding the Christmas Exams as the
pupils results will be submitted this week so the teacher wanted to give some
formative feedback so they will have an idea where they are within the subject.
This was extremely useful for the pupils as they had the opportunity to speak
with the teacher independently and receive feedback and express any concerns
which they may be having. The pupils seemed to enjoy today’s lesson where they
had the opportunity to gain an insight into the gallery question within the LC
exam, they began the research for their exhibition work and they received
one-to-one feedback on their progress within the subject. Overall, it was a
very informative lesson on my behalf in relation to the diverse nature of the
lesson and how to connect all aspects which the pupils are carrying out at a
particular time.
Video Clip focusing on 'Gut Instinct' Exhibition
24.01.17
Today’s lesson was focusing on the development of the print designs
which the pupils will create to feature within the Glucksmann Gallery
Exhibition. The pupils are making some great progress within the discipline
where they are experimenting with different ideas and copcepts which may
feature within the designs. The pupils also
have to make the decision what medium they would like to prodcue their
prints on as they have the option of lino and foam. The pupils within the group
are at very different stages where some are at the very early conceptual stage
where as some pupils are ready to begin transferring their designs on to the
media of choice.
Some pupils began transferring and experimneting with foam within
todays lesson where they transferred their designs using tracing paper as they
have their support sttudy sheets complete. I was very impressed with the standard of work which the pupils
are creating however they really need to show a bit more enthusiasm as this is
a great opportunity to have the opportunity to display work in a gallery within
their home city. Some of the pupils are showing a very little interest and are working
at a slow pace to prodcue work. The teacher gave these pupils the opportunity
to reasearch possible designs on iPads and the computer within the room in
order to inspire their work. When they had a design complete the teacher then
gave the pupils the opportunity to transfer tehir designs onto a foam block so
they could experiment and manipulate the print materials and gain an insight
into the process inovled but also experiment with the tools and mediums.
 |
| Pupils Responses |
I was extremly interested in the work which was prodcued using the
foam blocks and the mixture of inks etc. The pupils and I used the printing
press to prodcue some prints within the lesson,this worked extremly well and
also gave me an insight into working with the printing press as I have very
little experience usign one. The pupils seemed very happy with the effects they
were creating and the importane of the reversla of the image on the final
print. They were very excited to begin this process and wee making suggestions
in changes which they could make to their designs to complete begin the next
lesson. The pupils really tooks ownership of their work during this stage and
it was obvious they were enjoying the process. Overall, I think the lesson was
very successful and exteremly useful to observe the experimentational stage
within the lesson.
07.03.17
Today’s lesson was the first lesson where I was team teaching with
the new teacher. I was excited to observe how she would approach the leaving
certifiacte project as the pupils are carrying out the project for the second
time this year and it will be interesting to observe a seconda teachers
approach. The teacher prepared sample workbooks in order to carry out the
project. The pupils were then given the themes of; Metamophsasis, Workship,
Friend/Foe to brainstorm and ganerate possible ideas. The pupils seemed to get
excited by the themes and began generating some exciting and interesting ideas
which they could feature within the project. The teacher gave a brief
introduction into the project using the PDST website and indicating examples of
the different sections within the workbook. The pupils seemed excited to beging
the task and were deinately more confident beginning the task this time around.
Some pupils generated very interesting brainstorming sections within
the workbook where they combined text,imagery and annotations regaridng their
ideas. The pupils then spoke about the possiblity of Imaginery compositions and
still life work which they can create within the project. The pupils seem to be
really excited by this as they are really identifying their passion for drawing
portraits and still life compostions therefore they are leaning towards
carrying out such projects. I was really impressed by the pupils dedication
shown at this early satge as it is a big improvmeent from the effort shown
within the last project so I feel they are comiting to the subject at a great
level.
The teacher took a very firm approach within the lesson which I feel
the class group need as they can be very relaxed and can sometimes be
unresponsive however I did observe a big improvement within the lesson to the
pupils approach and engagement. Absenteeism is a major issue with this class
group as they are very rarely all present within each lesson. This really has a
knock on effect as a great deal of repitition is needed when pupils are
misssing which results in a lack of work completed thus having an impact on their
confidence in completing the task. Overall, I was impressed by the attitude
displayed within the lesson and I hope to see this reflected in the single
lessons which I carry out with the pupils.
14.03.17
Today’s lesson was focusing on the pupils developing their
brainstorm stage where they are researching and generating possible ideas to
feature within part A of the ten week project. The pupils are generating some
interesting ideas however they are fixated on creating finished pieces. The
teacher has been speaking to them in relation to this where she would prefer
them to generate loose conceptual drawings in order to identify their thought
process rather than spending a great deal of time generating one final drawing.
The pupils are facing challenges in this area as they are quite precious about
their work but I think this is a very good process to get the pupils to carry
out as they need to experiment with and practice this prior to their leaving
certificate exam next year. Another challenge which the pupils are facing is
the option of still life or imaginary composition. A great deal of pupils were
getting confused about this element of the project as they want to create an
imaginary composition however they wanted to observe real life objects after an
in depth discussion with the teacher the pupils gained a greater insight into
the reality of the project which they realised you have to choose one or the
other. The pupils seemed to be more confident following observing the examples
from the PDST website and discussing this as a class group with the teacher.
There was a great deal of pupils are choosing the theme of ‘WORSHIP’
where there is a great deal of interesting drawings in relation to the objects
and themes linked to the pupils own perception of worship which features topics
such as; fashion ,sportswear, makeup, travel ,friendship etc. I feel the pupils
are making a great effort this time around as they have a greater understanding
of the tasks involved and want to have a good standard of work present as the
last project in their opinions did not go as how they had anticipated. I have
observed a great improvement by the pupils within this project and they seem to
have a great deal of enthusiasm to begin the project. However they are still
extremely quiet, they will speak to the teacher and I on a one-to-one basis
however as a group they are very difficult to engage with. I am hoping they
will maybe grow in confidence of they observe their work improving and
developing where they will engage in discussion to a greater level. However
following a discussion with the teacher regarding this the year group as a
group are very quiet and it seems to be a common occurrence within the year
group to refrain from getting involved in discussions within the classroom.
Overall, I think the work the pupils are producing is improving and developing
a great deal which will have a positive impact on their confidence within the
subject.
28.03.17
Today’s lesson was focusing on the development of the pupil’s
concept relating to their chosen theme within the pilot project of next year
Leaving Certificate Examination. It is obvious that the pupils are working very
slowly which has a great deal associated with confidence but I also think they
are not putting in the work which they should be doing at this stage of the
project. The teacher addressed this issue with the pupils where she stressed
the importance of bringing in their materials to each lesson and also to
quicken the pace of the work being produced as this project is an element of
their Summer Examination thus if they want to receive a high grade they will
need to have the work completed.
The pupils spoke about the issue of not having permission to bring
the workbooks home as they feel that they would work to a better standard if
they had the opportunity to bring the work home with them. However it is
clearly stated that the work should not be brought home as all work should be
completed within class time therefore the pupils cannot bring the work home
which unfortunately the pupil’s are not happy with it. The pupils are still on
the brainstorming stage of the project which the teacher was also unhappy about
as this is the third double lesson which has been allocated to this element of
the project. The work begin produced is very exciting and the pupils are really
eager to do it well however the teacher feels that it is essential that they
move onto the concept development stage within the next lesson.
Overall, I feel the pupils are working a great deal better than they
have at the beginning of the year but I think there is definitely room for
improvement as they need to work to the deadlines which the teacher is
requesting. The teacher is extremely organised and has a very good repour with
the pupils which it is obvious they are reacting well to.
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