Expectations & Challenges

I’ve had 2 weeks to better understand the expectations and challenges that a grades 7-8 rotary Art teacher faces on a weekly basis. During the course of a 5-day timetable, I see each of the six grade 7 classes and each of the six grade 8 classes for one double period (80 minutes) per week. So, to clarify, I will see each group of students four times by the end of the practicum – though, of course, this number does not take into account missed periods due to school functions such as assemblies and field trips, as well as student absenteeism.

Expectation 1:
To quickly build a positive and friendly rapport with the students.

Challenge 1:
With between 250 and 300 students to meet the first week, it’s tricky to remember faces and names!

Expectation 2:
To design and carry out unit plans which are engaging and fun for all students.

Challenge 2:
Grades 7 and 8 students come in a variety of personalities and abilities from the gifted artists to the easy to please to the eager to please and, finally, to those who consider Art class as a free period.

Expectation 3:
To fairly assess the work produced by the students.

Challenge 3:
Trying to fit in the necessary production time (in order to have something to assess) while allowing for at least one out of four classes to possibly be missed by each of the students.

At this time I think I can safely claim to have a fairly good handle on the first challenge. It’s the second which remains to trouble me, to continually force me to think of ways to alter my lessons and teaching styles, and to sometimes hurt my feelings. The third challenge is the one that I am prepared/ing for but will not be able to fully realize how I am able to face this challenge until all has come to a close.

n.b. Naturally I am aware that there are many more expectations and intricate challenges. These are just a sampling of those which I seem to have been pondering frequently. (Plus, I like doing things in 3s.)