This is a post about grading. Like it or not, grades matter. A lot. But attaching a grade to a creative product is disingenuous. And scoring the artistic merit of one student's photo (or painting, or sculpture, or print) compared to another student's work misses the point. So, within the given set of criteria...
THIS is what I consider when I grade:
1. Is the student creating original art?
2. Is the student developing art making skills?
3. Is the student communicating through their work?
4. Is the student experimenting, taking chances and risks?
5. Is the student collaborating?
6. Is the student solving problems?
7. Did the student reflect on their art making process?
8. Did the student make global connections during the art making process?
How do I assess for these behaviors?
The art room studio and computer lab are vibrant and active spaces. I am constantly circulating, observing and interacting with my students. They are interacting with each other and we have a very collaborative environment. We have formal and informal critiques. I see first-hand the development of these artistic behaviors and I learn even more through their insightful reflections and blog postings.
Here is what digital photography has been up to this week:
Kelly's Blog
Alex's Blog
Kristen's Blog