Jordan Earley

Unit Paper 5
Professor Amber Ward
April 5, 2018

Understanding the big idea of structures and systems for a classroom can be a great benefit

to a teacher as they navigate and begin to learn about their classroom environment. All new

teachers need to ask themselves about the type of classroom they want to have. The 21st century

approach of being standard based can be a great tool for all teachers so that they can better equip

the classroom. Walker (2001) says that teachers should be constantly researching and developing

their understanding and background knowledge so that they can better equip their classrooms

with instruction that will engage each student. Being standard based as a teacher can ensure that

the classroom instruction will be laid upon a foundation of standards that will help the teacher to

know where the students should be heading academically. Dorn (1994) says that linking concepts

can be a means of connecting both ends of a subject matter within a curriculum that fosters

growth for both students and the teacher. A standards-based classroom can be beneficial to the

structures and systems of a classroom because it can provide a path of making connections.

My adaptation to the standards-based approach is through having a project that hits more than

just art but also crosses into literacy and history. I would study the standards that my students

need to hit within the year and design a plan for the students to not just hit a specific standard but

make meaningful connections to previous standards learned. For example, if I needed to have my

students learn and hit standards based on the California Gold Rush, I would structure the

curriculum so that not only will history standards will be meet, but they will be nurtured through

meaningful art projects like having students recreating streams, rocks, and gold through paper

cutting or painting. It would be a history and literacy lesson backed up by a nurturing art project

to deepen understanding through using the senses and creativity.

 References

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