I agree with Diane on this one. I often give quizzes when I've had a
class where little attention has been paid to the material. It keeps
them on their toes, and they are used to getting quizzed and tested in
all their classes, so why not art?
I do have a different take on on the attention to rules. When I started
teaching I adhered to the rules method. Now, my main objective from the
first moment is to be as responsive as possible to each student.
Someone comes in late, they get my full attention and in a cheerful
way, I will ask them all manner of questions. If someone acts goofy,
again, they get full attention, and my interested queries. Soon, I know
who they are, and they know a little about me. Admittedly, the lesson
stops but the human interaction appears to be far more interesting to
the students than the material. Not that I don't think the subject of
art is the most important thing in the world--I do, and the teaching of
art takes many forms.
So, my advice is, relax as much as you possibly can. Try and keep the
perspective that these kids are really great despite their crappy
behavior and that you are having tons of fun with them. Clearly you
are in it for the kids, but you have to be in it for yourself as well.
We win some, we lose some, but you are so important in the process,
that your mental, spiritual and physical health superscede the rest.
Peggy
On Jan 2, 2006, at 11:07 PM, Diane C. Gregory wrote:
> If you want to give them a quiz, go
> ahead, but I do not think an explanation is needed beyond wanting to
> know how
> well they learned the concepts presented earlier.
>
> --
> Diane
>
>
>
