The Learner-Directed Classroom: Developing Creative Thinking Skills Through Art

This book was recommended to me by a grad student and when I opened it up, I said, "Yes." Great addition to my students' reading list.

I am a choice based art education teacher who teaches 5-8 grade. I developed choice on my own after working at a Montessori school. Then I found the teaching for artistic behavior (TAB) community online. I was so excited when Engaging Learners through Artmaking- Choice Based Art Education came out. It was a helpful book, but since I had already gleaned a lot of the information from the website and the yahoo group and had been working on TAB in my class for quite a while it wasn't as helpful as I had hoped. The Learner Directed Classroom is almost like the sequel. After you have had experience in choice and had some frustrating times and questions about why you are doing it this way (to yourself because you are working so hard!) this book addresses the nitty gritty. It is a wonderful affirmation of the need for choice, affirmation that you are not a failure if students choose to draw their name 20 times in different mediums, etc. It addresses how to navigate and bring students to another level without imposing a one size fits all project on them. Reading this has helped me have more patience for cliche artwork, and helped me to think more creatively about ways to teach and expand student's innovative thinking.

This book reminded me of the joyful experiences that can be had in an art class room when kids are allowed freedom to experiment. It gives a very good idea of the basic workings of a Learner-Directed classroom. There are essays by different teachers who use this method and it was interesting to see the different ways they implemented their programs. The assessment examples would work if the teacher doesn't have to show "before and after" results or need letter grades. My state is now requiring very clear proof of learning and this type of assessment was not covered in the book. Also, the book seemed geared toward elementary level art with just a little about middle school. The book does not address the high school level at all.

The Learner-Directed Classroom gives us permission to let go of a traditionalview of teaching and empower students with choice and self-direction. Thedetail on how to differentiate each lesson to allow all students to access thecontent and how to assess their individual progress was invaluable.This book is a must read!

This is a book that will help you become more excited about your own learning, help you teach your students in a way that creates independence and engagement, and help you spend more time supporting real and authentic art making in your classroom.

I tried to read this, but it was just so dull and general. I couldn't get past the first chapter. I did not find it helpful because it did not provide hands-on ideas or strategies. It was very philosophical, scholarly, and dry. A little too tome for me.

Well written, but some sections are dry and difficult to push through.

IT WAS A GIFT FOR SOMEONE