Summary of Teacher as Curator: Formative Assessment and Arts-Based Strategies by Lisa Donovan and Sarah Anderberg

Unleash creativity in the classroom with 'Teacher as Curator.' Explore arts-based strategies for formative assessment and enhance student learning!

If you ever wondered what would happen if your art teacher started talking about formative assessment while drowning in a sea of paint palettes and glitter, well, welcome to Teacher as Curator! This wild ride through the world of education is led by Lisa Donovan and Sarah Anderberg, who have decided that testing and arts should totally mingle at the classroom prom. Grab your favorite canvas or a bottle of glue, because things are about to get artsy!

First off, let's talk about what formative assessment even means. In a nutshell, it's that magical moment when teachers check in on their students' progress-not just with a red pen and a frown, but by using creative, artsy approaches. It's like a check-up at the doctor's office, but instead of an ice cream stick, it involves some clay and a whole lot of enthusiastic painting. The authors dive into how teachers can use these arts-based strategies to really understand what their students are thinking-because, spoiler alert, sometimes kids' feelings can't be conveyed through multiple-choice questions.

The book paints a vivid picture (pun intended) of how to integrate the arts into daily teaching. Imagine using a little bit of dance to help students express their understanding of a science concept or incorporating music into math lessons. Yes, music! They argue that creativity isn't just for art class; it can help students engage more deeply with their learning-like sprinkling some pixie dust on boring old multiplication tables.

There's a delightful focus on the importance of collaborative learning too. The authors explain how teachers can foster a community where students feel comfortable sharing their art (and their ideas). They call it a safe space, but I like to think of it as a creative fortress filled with paintbrushes and positive vibes. Trust me, the last thing you want is a fortress where nobody wants to share their work.

Oh, and let's not forget about the reflection piece! Donovan and Anderberg emphasize that reflection isn't just for those mid-year "I've lost my motivation" meltdowns. It's actually a crucial part of the learning process, helping students and teachers alike to understand what's working and what's, well, a complete art failure. So, cue the group discussions and individual feedback sessions. It's a process, folks!

One of the highlights is when the authors delve into the intersection of art and assessment-which sounds way cooler than it is, but they make it manageable. They provide practical strategies to assess student learning through projects, performances, and even exhibitions of student work. Just think of it as your typical art exhibit, but instead of snooty critics, you've got proud parents and equally proud teachers watching students shine.

By the end, you'll get a sophisticated "how-to" guide for using these strategies in your own teaching. So if you're still here picturing a paint-stained classroom where assessments come with a side of creativity, you're not far off!

In summary, Teacher as Curator is like that surprisingly fun educational party you didn't know you needed-where everyone paints their way to educational success. So, if you're ready to ditch the old-school testing methods and spark some creativity in your classroom, grab this book and start curating those learning experiences! You'll be the talk of the teacher's lounge, for sure.

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.