Session 12 Takeaways - Developing a Maker Space

 

Takeaway:

This reiterates the idea that exploration is an incredibly important aspect in art education and any type of education. This reminds me of my observations at Ossining High School when my observing teacher, Catherine Ibanez, had students do preparatory work by exploring each material. However, it was somewhat guided, telling students how they should explore. I wonder what the result would be if it were further expanded to ask students instead what type of mark-making they could create with pastels? Have you considered this, or that, and then having students share before discussing the many things people have done, and suggesting other methods, and then defining them? 

I think this method would encourage my curiosity and have students consider what they think about their materials. 

Questions: 

How can we incorporate maker spaces in artistic education?

Is this something that would be best done in or outside of the classroom? 

How do we encourage explorative work in a school system that is more product-focused and less about process? Can a process-first approach still accommodate that?