While the school year is winding down, teachers all around are figuring out ways to deliver some type of learning assessment. I know I am in the same boat.
This short video caught my attention- and immediately I though this could be a nice way to wrap things up for a level 1 or 2 class, depending on your curriculum.
If you haven’t talked about artists or famous artworks yet in class- here is a perfect opportunity to get started- even if it’s the end of the year- it is never too late to talk about art and bring some into the classroom, virtual or not.
Challenge the student to use different artworks from around the world to connect with meaningfully and create a slideshow presentation-orally presenting it, adding descriptions (or not), and maybe even talking about the artist(s)- where they are from, impressive or interesting facts about their life (let them choose the facts!) .
This particular video has the house as a focus- but you can open it up to the community, the neighborhood, or whatever fits with what you’ve been covering during your virtual time together. Upper levels? Bring history and past tenses into play- students can make up a slideshow representing their childhood, a specific and meaningful memory, through foreign artists/artworks, or a certain period of the past- their own, or their artist of choice.
Do you have any artists in your class? Have them insert a piece of their own artwork if they can find a good way to tie it in. Think about how they would feel seeing their own artistic creation next to some of the masters, in a presentation?
Have them choose the music, or compose it if they are budding musicians!
Giving students open ended choice is a bridge to tap into their critical thinking and problem solving skills, empowering them to take charge and responsibility of their own learning. Some students may need help narrowing the amount of infinity, to maybe 10-20 different artists/artworks they can research and choose from. You know your kids.
Many teachers are worried about academic integrity with their students during any kind of written exam- and let’s be honest- we all know they will be communicating with each other via their own private chats if they don’t remember how to say something- but what if- they can prepare a slideshow presentation of some sort- present it orally- either in virtual class or on Flipgrid for example, and then students get to hear /watch the presentations of their classmates- and if using Flipgrid- comment and respond to each other, and then use the time in class to actually reflect?
Reflection can be a powerful assessment tool. Students can see how far they’ve come with the language- and each other’s progress within the class. Students can comment on seeing what kind of commonalities came up as a class- bringing them closer to connect on this, and what kind of learning are they taking away from this?
Some sentence starters for responses leading to reflection to be used in class, on Flipgrid, or any other interactive oral tool:
-I really like that/ I think that/I believe that…
-I like that you chose…
-This scene/this painting makes me feel/think/wonder/remember…
Encourage students to be specific in their peer feedback and reflection. The more details, the more language they will use and can be assessed.
Wishing you all a fantastic end of year!
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