Critically reflect on today’s activities and respond to each of the following:
1. The most interesting thing I learned today was:
2. One thing that I learned that I can use in my teaching:
3. Today would have been better for me if:
4. I am still confused about:
1. The most interesting thing i learned today was the technical aspects that go into designing a building. It has been a long time since I have taken any classes on architecture, so it has been refreshing to learn why architectures create certain looks to give the viewer a specific feeling. Buildings give the viewer a certain feeling, but it is important to know why exactly we get that feeling when we view a certain building.
2. One thing that i learned was a lot of vocabulary. This is beneficial to implement in the classroom so that students can use the same terminology as well as understand what it means.
3. Today would have been better for me if I had a little more background in architecture. When we went on the tour, at first it was a little difficult for me to understand the terminology and definitions that the guest speakers were talking about. As the tour went on, it was easier to pick out and understand, but overall i feel i missed a lot of meaning of vocabulary due to such a high amount of terms in such a short amount of time.
4. I am still confused about some of the terms. I believe i got about half or less of them written out, but I often found myself not getting the full definition, or while writing it, I missed out on some of the other ones. I would like to be able to go back over some of them if time allowed in order to receive a fuller understanding of architecture as a whole.
1. The most interesting thing I learned today was the knowledge from the two architects that were here. It’s nice to be able to have friendly professionals that were able to break down what an architect does and how they get there. The end question and answer session was the most interesting to me.
2. One thing that I learned that I can use in my teaching is the different “projects” that were discussed that other teachers have already used. I love the idea of creating a dog house. It sounds simple enough yet the students get to go through all the motions of an architect.
3. Today would have been better for me if I knew more about what this class was all about. My undergrad is not in education so I find there is a different vocabulary used and I feel some things are expected that I should know when I have never been exposed to some of the material.
4. I am still confused about what exactly this class is all about. I am still not sure on exactly what is expected out of me for the next 4 weeks!
The most interesting thing I learned today was about the interactive site of 150 favorite architecture sites. That also was the one thing that I learned that I can use in my classroom. There was alot more that I learned that I can use in my classroom: vocabulary, connecting the vocabulary with actual buildings, and discussion with architects. But, the highlight for me was the interactive we site of 150 buildings. I see so many applications for that: a “savanger hunt” for architectural elements much like what we did today but more connected to particular periods of art history, examples of adaptive styles and cultural elements, or a walk through the history of modern architecture. Students could report on specific buildings but use this as a starting point for selecting the style of architecture or architect. I so wish that I had known about this site for my art history class this past year. I don’t know how today could have been better for me. I think that the walking tour with the architects made some of the terms much clearer for me. The only improvement on that would be to have some architect come and present to my class about architecture.
The most intriguing point I thought about today was:
Considering that architecture as a career could be encouraged in a “regular” art class for children and secondary schoolers. I had thought about teaching details about architecture incorporated into , for example, the elements of design, but never had I been encouraged as a child to consider architecture as a career (except by my parents), especially in school.
One thing I could use in teaching is to always remember that you never know what small point will stick with a child and change his/her life.
Today was great - I enjoyed the whole experience and look forward to tomorrow.
I am not confused, but I know I still, since I am not a teacher, would need to learn a lot of practical skills to become a teacher. However, with each art education class I’ve attended, I’m more encouraged to think that I could do this! Thanks!
1. The most interesting thing I learned today was everything involved in being an architect from conceptualization to completion of a project.
2.I can use some of architecture’s basic vocabulary and concepts in correlation with that of the normal art cirriculum .
3. Today would have been better for me if I had gotten more sleep last night.
4. I am still confused about exactly how to teach the subject of architecture to children successfully but i am sure that will be resolved.
1) The most interesting thing I learned today was the meaning of the phrase “built environment.” I am intrigued by thinking of architecture as not just one building, but also including the interaction between buildings and structures in the environment.
2) One thing that I learned that I can use in my teaching is that students have reactions to the built environment, even though they might not yet have the vocabulary to articulate those feelings. By teaching the vocabulary and by discussing feelings evoked by architecture, I will be able to enhance their ability to express in words their reactions to the built environment.
3) I can’t really think of anything that could have made today better, other than the room being a little warmer! I sincerely thought today was fantastic.
4) I would still like to know more about specific methods of teaching architectural concepts, such as perspective drawing and floor plan design.
1. I really enjoyed the resiliency theory information! I have often wondered why some people are able to “bounce back” after discouraging events or circumstances while others remain defeated.
2. The website http://www.favoritearchitecture.org was clearly an important interactive tool to use in the classroom to help in teaching architectural awareness. I see many possibilities of individual and group projects which could be centered around this site.
3. I thought today was an excellent beginning! I especially liked the input from the 2 architects about the scope of their jobs. I was unaware of this fact.
4. I still have a number of architectural words which I do not have a good grasp on as far as definition and application.
1. The most interesting thing I learned today was all the different examples of lesson plans. I was confused about just where to start and this helped a lot.
2. One thing that I learned that I can use in my teaching is again all the different examples of lesson plans. I liked the fact that there were so many examples that can be changed or altered given different ages and levels.
3. Today would have been better for me if I didn’t eat so much pizza! Honestly, I enjoyed today and feel better about this class versus yesterday for sure.
4. I am still confused about how detailed I am to be about my own lesson plan I am creating for this class. I feel a little overwhelmed about making sure I include everything needed.
1. The most interesting thing I learned today was techniques for using the web for research as well as a resource for lesson plans.
2. I will use some of the projects listed on the handout in my teaching, as well as terminology, book resources, and other information shared today.
3. Today would have been better for me if we had done another activity requiring moving around, like the tour we did yesterday.
4. I would like to know more about our final project for this class - the lesson plan - and I am sure we will touch on that tomorrow!
1. Paul Williams history and many architectural achievements were very interesting. The various architecture lesson plan ideas were also great.
2. PRW Scavenger Hunt
3. Today was fine.
1. The most interesting thing I learned today was all of the details to Paul R. Williams’ life. I found his background very interesting, that he was able to succeed under his circumstance, and I feel memphis students would be interested in learning about this architect that became so famous almost 100 years ago.
2. One thing that I learned that I can use in the classroom is the project of Architecture to the stars. Being that we got to use Lil’ Wayne for our star, I felt like I was one of my students getting to design a dream house for my favorite rapper. They absolutely love him and would be so excited to do this project.
3. Today would have been better for me if I wasn’t so cold! I kept feeling my toes go numb, and found myself drifting away at times when I started to feel a tad frost bitten. Tomorrow i shall wear closed toed shoes and a jacket, and hopefully this will cure my dilemma.
4. I am still confused about what steps to take in order to create my own lesson plan using architecture. I found the blueprint for the stars idea was really nice, and probably would have done something similar to it for my project, but since that has been done, I now have to figure out another idea.
1. The most helpful thing I learned today was the addition of website resources and how to actually use these sites! I am very slow when surfing the web and need more practice with hands-on computer manipulation. The scavenger hunt on the computer was an excellent way to accomplish this practice!
2. I can use the AIA handout on “Activities for the Classroom” as a springboard for other ideas and as a skeletal “teaching tool” for the students to design individual projects on an AP level! I liked the presentations of other lesson ideas as well. I can create other game from the anticipatory set idea.
3. All of the speakers have been wonderful and so relaxed. I like the variety of input which has been available. Heather is fabulous!!!
4. I feel more competent today.
1. I truly enjoyed all the web site resources: there are so many to choose from and to study. I am sure that I can find much to use in my classroom
2. One thing that I learned that I can use in my classroom was the interactive sites where students could actually design on the computer. I think that by actually creating on the computer, especially with parameters, would engage the students.
3. I don’t know how today could have been better, except for the temperature. I need to dress differently. The resources were fabulous.
4.I don’t think that I am confused so much as a little overwhelmed by what I feel I need to incorporate into my unit to make it successful for my students. As always, I need to study this some more to narrow my focus. There are so many great things to include in the unit plan and it is not always about which bell or whistle will be most intriguing - I need to figure whcih things work best for the over arching goal of my unit.
I learned so much today in regards to building sustainable communities. Specifically, I was interested in transferring the information into education and the effective and/or non-effective function of urban schools.
As a musician, I was able to make so many connections between building design, music and sustainable communities. This is a wonderful, hands-on institute.
1. The most interesting thing I learned today was the inspiring speech by Ray Brown. His ideas of community and what that means and how we can create it here in Memphis was great.
2. One thing I learned that I can use in my teaching were against the different lesson plan ideas. I love how everyone is open to discussing their ideas and are open to collaboration.
3. Today would have been better for me if I didn’t eat two brownies! I have enjoyed the past three days.
4. I am still confused about how exactly i am going to put this lesson plan together. I feel a little overwhelmed by it given I have never taught before.
1. The most interesting thing that I learned today was the technical aspects of communities in Memphis. This is definitely a challenging city to thrive in, and I now have a better understanding as to why this is. I found his lecture incredibly enlightening, and I plan to use what I learned to help my students.
2. I will use this information in my teaching. this has inspired me to come up with several lesson plan ideas that I feel the kids will enjoy and learn a lot from. This community based type project gives the students the power to change their community, as well as incorporating a career into the arts.
3. I felt today was really great, and I learned a whole lot. I can’t really think of a way that would have made the day better. This was probably my favorite day overall.
4. I am still confused about some technical aspects of architecture, such as ADA requirements, and how to implement them into the classroom, but I feel as I start to work more on the project, those answers will come into place more.
1. The most interesting thing I learned today was the information shared by Ray Brown about sustainable communities.
2. One thing I will use in my teaching is basing lessons on the resiliency theory.
3. Today would have been better if we had engaged in an activity requiring physical movement, rather than sitting all day.
4. I would like more information pertinent to the lesson I will be developing, including ADA regulations, landscape architecture and solutions for making our school green.
1. Ray Browns entire lecture on Community Building, Sustainable Communities and public spaces was very informative. It definitely struck a cord with me as a lifetime Memphian with great concern for the state of our city.
2. The idea of resilience as it relates to improving our quality of life is an issue that I will address in my classroom.
3. Today was fine for me.
4. Everything is pretty much clear for me at this point. However, i am sure I will have many questions moving forward so check your emails…
1. The issues of sustainable design was extremely helpful, informative, and inspiring. It is the natural culmination of these activities.
2. One thing that I gathered from today was the importance of giving my students a starting place to develop that sense of community and a means to get actively involved in impacting their community. Certainly, the importance of that can not be dismissed since there are the students who will be in the community as, hopefully, contributing members shortly.
3. Again, I don’t know how today could have been better. I hope that the blog and the space on the AIA web site helps to create a different sense of “community,” both for the people who have been involved in this institute and in the Memphis community and changing the face of that community. Forging that sense of community however tenuous is the required step for creating the changes we would like to see happen in our community.
4. For me, narrowing the focus and really defining my goals for this project are the next steps in writing this material into the unit plan. It is not so much confusion as probably being too board at this point.
Today was the best yet! I really enjoyed Ray Brown’s talk on architecture, urban renewal and sustainable development. Art and architecture are two of my main interests, so any way I can tie in architecture to an art lesson is a big plus. I will be a little challenged to make a lesson plan relevant and interesting to my particular choice of student group, but I hope to tie our studies up neatly into a good package. Thanks for a wonderful and inspirational three days!
1. Ray Brown’s presentation was fabulous! I learned so much about urban planning and why things “work” or “don’t work” in building communities. If we as teachers fail to communicate these concepts to our students, each generation will grow up with less knowledge of a close community spirit and how this helps to build resiliency.
2. The classroom applications for all of these concepts are endless. Combining resiliency theory with architecture, urban planning, community partners and at-risk youth helps to build close-knit sustainable communities.
3. I have one suggestion. The websites and resources shared throughout this institute were invaluable! Although many were written on a list, I still needed an updated list of the many additional sites which were discussed. I took many notes, but so often I could not locate them or, once located, found that I had recorded them incorrectly in my notes.
4. I am now seeing more of the parts to the whole picture! This three-day institute was extremely successful!
Very interesting post thanks for writing it I just added your site to my favorites and will check back.