Assessments and Evaluation Strategies

The assessment tools used for this unit fall into three categories:

1. Research Reports: use of the Internet, depth, quality, sensitivity of analysis and interpretation shown in responses to assigned research questions in Lesson #3.

2. Student Performance Assessment: where students are judged against a list of criteria for this type of work. Art is a very personal subject and difficult to grade. Teacher based assessment of many lessons on overall criteria including the following: How well did the student follow instructions? Did he use his time effectively? Did he reach his goal or lesson objective? How creative was this student in his design? What specifics were utilized as far as craftsmanship? Overall appearance accounts for most of the grade, as well as the effort the student has applied. Using a grade of 85% as a mid-point, teacher grades accordingly as warranted.

3. Evaluation Assessment: most effective when students have had time to practice giving constructive feedback. Teacher would spend one period on a class evaluation and display all completed artwork on the blackboard at the front of the classroom. Teacher would then write five evaluation questions on the board, or at times, ask the questions orally. Giving the students approximately half the period to record their answers, class would then review and discuss, and critique one another’s work. The evaluation questions for this unit can be found in each lesson plan.

Works in progress:

Students in the computer lab taking a virtual tour of the Guggenheim Museum:

Getting ready for the Showcase Gallery:

Many thanks to my colleague Mr. Louis Velez for his assistance with photography and computers!