Leading a Discussion
Ask interpretive questions.
- Ask open-ended interpretive questions that have several possible answers. Questions such as “What makes this a happy scene?” engage students in critical thinking.
- Encourage careful observation. Have students look carefully at the masterpiece and find examples to support their analyses.
- Find examples of the key concepts in the masterpiece. Talk about:
- What is happening in the picture? What is the story? What will happen next?
- How do line, color, shape/form, texture, space (elements of art) help tell?the story?
- How do balance, unity, emphasis, rhythm (principles of design) organize the story?
- What materials and techniques does the artist use?
- What do we learn about the artist and his or her culture or era in this work?
Keep the discussion centered on the masterpiece.
- Focus all discussion on the masterpiece.
- Redirect students’ personal experiences back to the art.
Don’t tell more than the students want to know.
- Share background information as it relates to the discussion. Tell students fun facts and related stories to help them better understand the artwork.
- Relate biographical information to the masterpiece.
- Show locations on a map or globe.
- Relate time to other events. Tell why the time and place shaped the artist’s work.
Review concepts from previous years and lessons.
- Review terms and techniques. (See Glossary of Terms.)
- If students have forgotten concepts or techniques, or if they haven’t learned them, simplify the lesson and review basic information.
- Compare the masterpiece with similar works from previous lessons to reinforce concepts.
Evaluate student ideas and work in relation to the concepts.
- Look for examples of the concepts in the masterpiece and in student work. Assess student work in terms of the skills and concepts of the lesson.
- Reinforce achievement with specific praise. “I like the way you’ve blended these colors.”
- Encourage students to listen to the ideas of others and to discover new ways of seeing.