Teaching Metaphor

Teaching is Like a Terrarium.

Teaching is not a process of just pouring information on students and hoping that students will absorb it all and grow from it. This method may work for a short time, but the problem is, students become completely dependent on a teacher to learn. Just like a potted plant, they are completely dependent upon a routine showering of water from someone else. But what happens when the plant's care giver leaves? The plant will eventually wither and die because it had no means of collecting the water (or information) for itself.

I think that teaching should be a process of instilling students with curiosity, and modeling skills so that they can learn independently. It is a teacher's responsibility to provide an environment and proper resources so that students can become like an enclosed terrarium and are able to sustain the necessary elements of life (or learning) on their own. The students are no longer dependent on a watering can, but are able to continue a cycle of learning from within because they were taught to be curious, to ask questions, and how to go about finding answers on their own.

4 Verbs

Explore •  1. travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it.

Students will traverse and familiarize themselves with the artistic skills, art history, contemporary practices and issues, with teacher as guide at times, but also fellow explorer. As they come to understand the groundwork of ideas, techniques, philosophies, and concepts previously laid before them, they will be better equipped to blaze new trails or formulate their own personal opinions, ideas, and responses to the subject.

                    

Investigate • 1. to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry.

Once they have been exposed to an idea or concept, students will then ask questions and delve into the deeper connotations and meaning of a subject. They will critique, analyze, theorize possible causes, effects, purposes, and deeper connotations of the artistic work and/or ideas.

                       

Assemble • To fit together the parts of, to collect or gather into one place or group

Once a thorough exploration and investigation of a concept or artistic work has taken place, students can then synthesize the information and knowledge they have gleaned and formulate their own ideas. They will find connections to their personal interests, experiences, and community. Through building these relationships, students will find reasons why the concept is pertinent and significant to them. Students will also strategize which combination of artistic techniques or principles of design will form the best relationship with their concept or idea.   

Articulate • 1. To express oneself readily, clearly, and effectively

Students will communicate their ideas orally, in writing, and visually through class discussions and critiques, personal artist statements, and employing artistic skills and methods, principles of design, and symbolism to effectively create meaning-rich artwork.