Teaching is collaboration in learning between the professor and the student. Within this partnership each bears certain responsibilities. Though the roles differ, each participant shares the goal of learning. To attain the goal it is the professors’ responsibility to motivate the class by preparing, promoting, presenting, and presiding.
Preparation enables information to be communicated in a confident and relevant way. While the visual basics of art remain the same, students are constantly changing. Students perceive and understand the world as it changes and progresses into the future. Most importantly, preparation challenges the teacher and the student to adapt a traditional foundation and skills for a contemporary audience. Learning in the visual arts takes place in a prepared environment. Preparation is necessary on the part of the student and the teacher.
The professor assumes the role of motivator by promoting traditional and non traditional learning experiences. Such experiences engage the students’ intellect and skills as they assimilate issues, techniques, ideas and faith. Passion for the subject matter and for teaching should excite a climate of learning. The professor also promotes learning experiences that reach beyond the classroom and into life.
Presentation is important for both the professor and the student. The art of presenting is important in the visual arts because it establishes a system of dialog surrounding works of art. Presentation of artworks opens the class to questioning and processing finished works of art. Presentation enables the artists to clearly communicate within an environment of critique and assessment.
The role of the professor culminates in the process of presiding over the total learning experience. Learning continues beyond the class experience and through the entire program of study. At this point, the teacher assumes a role of overseer as he/she presides over a broader span of learning. The professor can continue to help the student make connections as he/she builds artistic expression and career development.
The student/teacher collaboration is essential for student success. Each assumes specific roles to enable this outcome. Though the student assumes responsibility in learning it is the teacher that motivates by preparing, promoting, presenting and presiding.
michael mallard 