CREATIVITY & CURRICULUM
2
Minute
Moments
Video |2 Minute Moments Project
I was asked to create a series of two minute videos in which we would develop, relate, or convey a compelling experience to the audience. In this video I looked at how to create a compelling connection between art and mathematics by looking at the beauty and intricacy of fractal patterns. I took inspiration from the educator and video-blogger Vi Hart.
THIS VIDEO IS NOT CURRENTLY CAPTIONED.
Video |Creating Compelling Experiences
This video takes a very tiny piece of a longer interview I had with one of my Kung Fu teachers. In preparation for this project I asked him about how he teaches, what he feels are compelling experiences for his students, and what makes Kung Fu compelling for the teacher as well. From a 50 minute interview, I punched out a few key points that I think are well articulated regarding creating innovative and creative experiences for students.
The evening lighting in the school is rather poor, but I did the best with what we had for lights.
THIS VIDEO IS NOT CURRENTLY CAPTIONED.
Just a sample of my work. To see more or discuss possible work >>
Creative
Lessons
Group Project |Curriculum in Evolution
This interactive diagram was created to deconstruct the book Curriculum Development in the Postmodern Era. Through this project myself and several other students examined the implications and ramifications of curriculum development over time and into the modern era.
Collaboration
Blog |Creating Compelling Experiences
This blog was created to keep a log of throughs, feelings, and reflections on readings for a class on Creating Compelling Classroom Experiences. This blog highlights a lot of my feelings regarding teaching and developing innovative experiences for students.
Web
2.0
Lesson Plans |Commom Core, Maths, & Art
The attached lesson plan covers some of the changing standards during the state adpotion of the Common Core Framework Standards for Mathematics. Prior to its adoption, the standards for mathematics were in flux in the district. During one of the many changes, I started developing a varity of art lesson plans that supported diffent key mathematics concepts. Here is a lesson plan on rotational symmetry intedended to either support or introduce the concept to students through the lense of the arts of the Middle East.
Essay |Visual Culture
The book Teaching Visual Culture: Curriculum Aesthetics, and the Social Life of Art highlights the damaging myths present in art education that need to be reconsidered in order for students to receive an accurate perception of the cultures that visual artifacts come from and the
influence culture has on art production and interpretation. The author, Kerry Freedman, explains that teaching art from its cultural origins and socio-historical impact gives students a broader understanding of the world around them and the influence art has on culture. In our global
economy, we strive to teach students antiracism and cultural sensitivity through academics and by example.
The following essay is a research assingment intended to examine the reasons for continuinng to teach visual culture to students.
Essay |Learning Communities & Cooperatives
In my opinion “community” in relation to education means a school that has committed itself to a very particular vision of education. A learning community is a group that has dedicated itself to being a place of academic achievement, interaction, who have committed to common educational goals. This cooperative collective is deeply invested in critical thinking and learning through inquiry, reflection, and is motivated to create an atmosphere of caring where students are supported in their studies. The research that follows comprises largely of evidence taken from observations and studies of Montessori schools, all of which supports the hypothesis that schools which foster a community of learners that are imbedded in ritual, inquiry, and academic support establish a firm academic and social foundation for their students’ further success in higher education.
As I entered the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) program at Michigan State University in the 2012, I did so with the desire to glean as much information as possible in order to become prepared for a school leadership role in the future and to delve more deeply into curriculum development. It was with these two areas of focus that I framed my time at Michigan State.
I have listed below relevant coursework I completed during my time in the MAEd program. as I feel it centers around curriculum reform, innovative classroom experiences, and personal skill devleopment.
Essay |Zoom In, Zoom Out: Mathematics
This blog post covers an interesting intersection of topics. Jumping off the idea of lighting in film and film design we were asked to apply that concept to teaching. I used an example from a fellow teacher who had asked me to assist with creating some visual supports to a lesson about exponential growth.
Photo by CL Steele of a craft and fine art learning cooperative in
Melbourne, Australia
Mark Rothko (1903-1970), Untitled
All images on this website have been created by C.L.Steele unless otherwise noted.