Preparing learners for the world of work

Photo courtesy of Shena Macdonald

Blogging is a wonderful place to connect learners with online resources that relate to the career your course is preparing them for.

Art research is made up of prac and theory, and the learners process work requires them to investigate other artists and various art techniques. I use blogposts to share links to various artists works and websites.  This means that learners are able to find examples that they can analyse in preparation for creating their own work.   It is difficult to organise regular excursions that expose learners to current exhibitions, but online catalogues and artists' sites increases learners' exposure to current examples. 

Broadening students contact base benefits me, as there is less pressure on the teacher to be an expert in every field of art.  Art is made up of various practical techniques and each learner has a different area of expertise. For example some learners enjoy two-dimensional work and others prefer working in 3-Dimensional styles. I majored in sculpture and painting in my Fine Arts degree, and I have a basic understanding of other fields, but I will never know as much as professional potter. Some art teachers limit learners to the art techniques that they are familiar with, but I prefer to allow learners to explore all different fields.  

Learners seem to appreciate honesty and I have never had a student complain when I explain that I can help them with applying art elements and principles to their project design, but they will have to consult another resource for technical assistance. Of course our studio does have the added resource of Mrs Moore, whose creative expertise extends across most art disciplines. So the freedom to experiment as students and teachers is not without the safety net of a very experienced head of subject. 

The aim of most education systems is to prepare learners to for their futures (Robertson, 2013).  Wagner (2010 in Robertson, 2013) states that developing critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and leadership, agility and adaptability, and initiative and entrepreneurialism are the four skills that learners need to secure a good job. 

The interactive element of blogging has certainly encouraged learners to take initiative in their engagement with the curriculum. Working on with other professionals also promotes collaboration. Sometimes learners conduct email interviews with professionals via the contact details displayed on their websites.

I have found that students often complain that they do not understand how school relates to the working world. I know that complaints are sometimes a result of a poor attitude to learning. I also know that students do not understand the importance the skills school develops (for example Mathematics enhances learners logic). However I do think it is important for learners to understand how school work relates to their future aspirations. Thus I have appreciated how working online sustains learners' interest by linking educational activities with career-related applications. I also appreciate the way art integrates prac and theory, but I shall write more about that soon.

I will also add some screenshots of student discussions and links to this post.

Link to Blended Learning Powerpoint
 

Reference:

Robertson, K. 2013. Assessment as an Opportunity for Developing Independent

 Thinking Skills in Students. (online)  Available at:  http://www.facultyfocus.com/

articles/educational-assessment/assessment-as-an- opportunity-for-developing-independent-thinking-skills-in-students/ (Accessed October 2013)