Ashley Sutter

Art 133
3/16/2017
Unit Paper 5

A Standards based approach to teaching Art Education is very important because it helps

teachers keep on track and be on the same page while teaching art. If there were not any

standards to follow then all subjects would be taught differently to children all over the U.S.

This is why the Big Idea of structures and systems is important because they keep educators on

the same page and make sure they are teaching the same curriculum. Teachers tend to let their

opinions get in the way of their teachings, which is why this big idea is important. Charles

Dorns book Thinking in Art (1994) echoes with this statement and says how art teachers

cannot agree on a single basis for determining the curriculum. When teachers dont agree then

different curriculum will be taught throughout schools which is why standards and a structure is

needed in the classroom. In Sydney Walkers Chapter Ways of Working: Artists Practices

(2001) she gives a structured lesson plan about the practices that make the pursuit of art making

as a meaning-making endeavor and says that these practices dont come randomly, they must be

planned and thought out by the teacher. This is an example why structures and systems are

important because it keeps the teacher on the right track by planning well thought-out lessons.

In my own classroom I would choose to do the activity Chance Operations which gives

students a set of instructions on how they are going to paint a picture. This activity is a fun way

for students to experiment with structures and systems because they have to follow the rules and

not make something on their own. Students are able to follow the rules or use their imagination

and go against the rules. One thing I would change about this activity is to give a longer set of

instructions for students to follow and have the students do the activity by themselves so they can

be more creative without help from a partner.

 References
Dorn, C.M. (1994). Thinking in art: A philosophical approach to art education. Reston, VA:
National Art Education Association.
Walker,S.(2001).Teachingmeaninginartmaking.Worcester,MA:Davis