According to Dewey a good experience has a goal for the community of the learner as well as a goal for the growth of the student. He believes that teachers need to give students the skills to function in the world as well as ones that will be valuable in the short term for the student. He also reminds us that each student is influenced by their current and past experiences. Our job as teachers is to open them up to new experiences in art and therefore in life. Finally he makes us consider what will be the best level of freedom or control in the classroom and what will be effective.
In response to the studio work I have done so far this year I believe my own painting activity has respond to several of Dewey's criteria for a good experience. The activity gave the skills and guidance for the student to succeed at the activity as well as in further painting projects. There was freedom for the student to include their own values and experiences. The meditation exercise will help them focus in the short term as well as relieve stress if practiced in the short term. The activity can be easily modified for any skill level or interest of the classroom.
The second studio project this year was the sculpture assignment. This activity functioned under Dewey's principles by giving them tactile building and problem solving skills. The new materials as well as the challenges with the medium will help them to create a sculpture in the short term but also foster problem solving skills for the future. The project gives the student a personal connection by giving them the freedom to come up with their own favorite creature. Freedom to create is very evident in this project but could be structured for those who need it within the classroom.
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