When I first saw the image for this week, I immediately wondered how much my students would be able to pick up on. Photography in general seems to be a bit tougher to VTS for me. However, my students always seem to exceed my expectations and they did so again for this image. The students commented on the following:
- the black and white somber mood
- the writing on the license plate
- a general feeling of being poor or poverty
- the idea of beauty
- a feeling of sisterhood or caretaking
- a feeling of nostalgia or family heirlooms
My students really gleaned a lot from this image, and likely more than I may have picked up on on my own. They really reach beyond the obvious in images (for example, "I see two girls") and extend to the artist's ideas and intent. I am still noticing that there are maybe two students who have yet to participate in a discussion, but that may still be to come.
I always feel comfortable with my students and I do feel that I am able to easily grasp when a discussion is over. My VTS this week only ran about 8 minutes, so it is a bit short of where it needed to be. I think that may be because the image is a photo and not a sculpture or painting. Those seem to lend a little more time because it is easier to talk about artist choices and the presence of the artist's hand.
In the future, I would like to continue to work on paraphrasing and sensing the end of the discussion. I am always wary that I may not be letting enough time pass between comments, which may keep the few students from talking during the discussion. I would also like to be able to better encourage those kids to participate in our talks.
PEER COACH:
ReplyDeleteSadara, after reading your post and watching your video, it appeared to be a really rich discussion! I was surprised how much thoughtful insight the students provided, they were indeed "reaching beyond the obvious." I really appreciated the way you paraphrased. You spoke clearly and were able to "package" the students' comments in a way that summed it all up and was easy to understand. As for your concern about sensing the end of the discussion...I noticed in your video that the students commented back to back for almost the full 8 minutes, which keeps the discussion flowing nicely. However, as soon as there were no immediate responses to Q3, you concluded the discussion. As hard (an awkward) as silence can be, I think you just needed a little more wait time. I experience that a lot with my class...sometimes it seems like pulling teeth while waiting, but eventually someone raises their hand. Overall, you did a beautiful job facilitating...bravo!!!
I agree with the wait time. You've gotten the students to respond "fast and furiously" and they do it well - now's the time to start building their stamina and pushing them to look even deeper. Repeat Q#1 in a mysterious tone of voice. . . or synthesize Q1 & Q2 by asking, "What MORE is going on in this picture?" I talk about the longest wait time in my own VTS history with a group of Middle School art teachers. It went on FOREVER and then suddenly, it took off like a wild horse and the conceptual level skyrocketed. Silent looking or productive at the beginning of a VTS discussion. It can also be productive in the middle. And the longer they look, the more they notice. Who knows? Perhaps one of your silent types will pipe in! You've got the basics down solidly. Now start making the method get even more out of your students with wait time. I bet they'll surprise you (GREAT kids, by the way! I noticed a few gasps when a respondent would mention something that others hadn't noticed. Great image!!)
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