ann morton

teaching philosophy

I believe that with each person that finds their way into my classroom there is the potential for great opportunity for growth and learning - by the student and by me. Every young artist carries within them the keys to their own point of view and their inherent attraction to the techniques that most resonate with their personal aesthetic. It is my job to provide an atmosphere that unlocks this awareness in each student. In teaching an art core class, I believe that, although the fundamental information imparted to students through these classes is critical, the techniques are less important than early confidence building in art making, introduction to conceptual thinking and project development and time management skills.

Art Core: ART 113 Color
Current Philosophy

1) generate enthusiasm for the simplest of art making techniques

2) provide projects that reveal unexpected discoveries
- in experiencing the process of artmaking
- by enhancing personal knowledge
- in student’s point of view as an art maker
- by making connections between art making and its place in a larger community

3) demonstrate the value in basic color knowledge
- through project structure and sequencing
- through process experience
- by imparting connections to real-life applications

4) build confidence in art making
- in technical abilities and craftmenship
- in conceptual thinking
- in project planning and organization
- in participation in healthy critique - both as viewer and maker
- with the production of a varied and quality student portfolio resulting from this class

5) provide reliable class structure and resources
- clearly stated syllabus and class expectations
- clearly defined project goals, parameters, and grading rubric
- provide a positive and open critique atmosphere
- provide relevant reading and writing assignments
- provide relevant artist reference
- timely project grading and substanative feedback
- electronic access to course materials (blackboard)

Fiber-based Class Philosophy

Although the fundamentals of my teaching philosophy remain the same, the technical knowledge and considerations for
teaching an area-specific class shift the emphasis of the teaching structure to focus more intently on techniques and imparting specific skills. In the case of a fiber specific class, mastering and manipulating technique is important for the student’s growth in the use of fiber-based media to suit their personal artistic vision. In the best of worlds, I would enjoy applying the fundamentals of my teaching philosophy while working with students to learns skills and techniques in my chosen field - mostly, because I love to work with fiber-based media, my knowledge is stronger, and the students are perhaps more focused on learning specific area techniques, versus the required enrollment in an art core class. In this regard, I would substitute number 3 above to read as follows if I were to teach a fiber-based class.

3) demonstrate the value in particular fiber-based techniques
- through project structure and sequencing
- through process experience
- providing exposure and support for the use of fiber-based techniques in ways that resonate with the student’s personal aesthetic and artistic point of view

Spring 2010