Hi Jon, I teach A Level Photography in Leeds at a large sixth form. We have about 80 students on the course and the idea of supporting students to develop their own ideas and independence is something that is always a challenge. I'm currently doing an action research project on developing students creativity and independence inspired by Mary Corita's art department rules. I found this a really interesting read, and it is good to know other teachers face similar challenges. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Hannah. Thanks for your comment and for reading the post. Sister Corita’s ‘Rules’ are great. I’d love to know more about your research. If you ever fancy sharing it here, do let me know. I’m really interested in the idea of guest posts. I asked my Year 12 photographers to begin constructing a Research Plan today. I’m hoping a more formalised process - identifying key questions, beginning to look for reliable sources of information, planning photoshoots etc. - will help them with their investigations. My feeling is that young people are less inquisitive and a bit more risk-averse than they used to be. I suspect this has something to do with the pandemic but also the inexorable drift towards high stakes testing and school accountability pressures. I’d be interested in your views.
Thanks for your comment Jen. Good luck with your challenge. Would love to know what you think of the story and if it prompts any questions or strategies for you.
Thank you Jon. This was a real treat to find in my inbox today As a teacher of photography in Adult education, i come across very similar attitudes in my students, often a lot more in grained. I have found photography to be a very odd subject among adults. I can to photography from a passion for visual arts, indeed it was a love for the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe and the guiding hand of photographer Ian Sanderson that got me into photography. That made me want to buy a camera! My adults students come to me with Leica's, top of the range Sony nikon and canon cameras, BUT ask them who their favorite photographer is they look at me blankly. I will take on some of your guidance, I loved the use of Keith Arnett's image..i have done similar with Andres Serrano..and i look forward to the next installment
Thanks Tobias. I think using stories, music, poetry etc. is often a great way to open up new ways of thinking about photography. If you like this kind of intertextual approach you might enjoy this resource about photopoetry: https://www.photopedagogy.com/photopoetry.html Thanks for taking the time to comment. As a newbie on Substack, I'm very grateful for the interaction. I'd love to know a bit more about your practice as a photography educator.
Hello Jon. This is my first response on substack and had to make a profile just to leave you my comment. So a complete newbie myself. For me the big "trick" is to get my students away from being camera operators, and teach them how to be photographers, how to see the world through the camera, how to read other peoples photography and generally try and instil in them a joy and pleasure for subject.
Hi Jon, I teach A Level Photography in Leeds at a large sixth form. We have about 80 students on the course and the idea of supporting students to develop their own ideas and independence is something that is always a challenge. I'm currently doing an action research project on developing students creativity and independence inspired by Mary Corita's art department rules. I found this a really interesting read, and it is good to know other teachers face similar challenges. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Hannah. Thanks for your comment and for reading the post. Sister Corita’s ‘Rules’ are great. I’d love to know more about your research. If you ever fancy sharing it here, do let me know. I’m really interested in the idea of guest posts. I asked my Year 12 photographers to begin constructing a Research Plan today. I’m hoping a more formalised process - identifying key questions, beginning to look for reliable sources of information, planning photoshoots etc. - will help them with their investigations. My feeling is that young people are less inquisitive and a bit more risk-averse than they used to be. I suspect this has something to do with the pandemic but also the inexorable drift towards high stakes testing and school accountability pressures. I’d be interested in your views.
Very much enjoying your insights. I've picked up a copy of the book and shall challenge myself to respond as if a student of yours.
Thanks for your comment Jen. Good luck with your challenge. Would love to know what you think of the story and if it prompts any questions or strategies for you.
Thank you Jon. This was a real treat to find in my inbox today As a teacher of photography in Adult education, i come across very similar attitudes in my students, often a lot more in grained. I have found photography to be a very odd subject among adults. I can to photography from a passion for visual arts, indeed it was a love for the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe and the guiding hand of photographer Ian Sanderson that got me into photography. That made me want to buy a camera! My adults students come to me with Leica's, top of the range Sony nikon and canon cameras, BUT ask them who their favorite photographer is they look at me blankly. I will take on some of your guidance, I loved the use of Keith Arnett's image..i have done similar with Andres Serrano..and i look forward to the next installment
Thanks Tobias. I think using stories, music, poetry etc. is often a great way to open up new ways of thinking about photography. If you like this kind of intertextual approach you might enjoy this resource about photopoetry: https://www.photopedagogy.com/photopoetry.html Thanks for taking the time to comment. As a newbie on Substack, I'm very grateful for the interaction. I'd love to know a bit more about your practice as a photography educator.
Hello Jon. This is my first response on substack and had to make a profile just to leave you my comment. So a complete newbie myself. For me the big "trick" is to get my students away from being camera operators, and teach them how to be photographers, how to see the world through the camera, how to read other peoples photography and generally try and instil in them a joy and pleasure for subject.
https://www.tobiasjamesphotography.co.uk is what i do as a teacher and some of the images my students make with me
Wow. Lots of joy in the photos on your website. Thanks for sharing.