Viva Presentation - reflection on PME2 teaching placement
1. What have you learned over the process of the PME programme that has informed your artist – teacher practice?
It may seem obvious but to focus primarily on the students and their learning. Self-reflection is of course important for teachers but the first concern should be for the students and their learning. A good teacher focuses less on themselves, in order to focus on the student learning; caring about students’ progress and concerns and adapting to the diverse individuals they are guiding.
Sharing resources and peer-learning from my classmates on the PME2 programme was really beneficial, particularly as my PME1 was conducted mostly online and it was harder to get to know others that year or feel a sense of camaraderie.
2. In what respect do you feel your teaching has developed and matured this year?
Reflection on the students’ progress, assessment of their work and creating feedback on student work, allows me to see how I can refine success criteria and areas I may have missed in my teaching.
Assisting students to succeed. Using the grid drawing process, allows all students to improve their observational skills, feel success, a sense of achievement and develop a growth mindset that they can improve their drawing skills. Drawing skills are the basis of all visual arts and confidence in this area is key to progression in the subject.
The ability to adapt and revise my planning and visual aids, as I get to know the class and time scale available.
3. What are the most significant factors that have contributed to your development as an artist-teacher?
Nurturing my artist identity alongside my teacher identity and embracing skills outside of my own personal practice and thinking about using those skills more in my own creative work.
Support and encouragement from welcoming, empathetic cooperating teachers, with positive outlooks in my school placements in PME1 and PME2.


