Workshop 8 Nurturing Independent Thinkers

Introduction

Arts teachers find many different ways to help their students develop as artists – and as people.  By using a variety of assessment strategies, teachers can help their students become mature, independent thinkers. Teachers can also find ways to refine their own teaching, based on a clear understanding of their students’ progress and problems.

To nurture independent thinkers, assessments:

• Focus on thinking and judgement, not just on performance skills
• Help students look at the work of others in useful ways
• Give students opportunities and tools to assess themselves
• Give teachers insights to help them adjust their teaching

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