Teaching Weaving - Video And Reflection

This is a video of me instructing two students in the weaving process.  I used this as an instructional video to demonstrate the weaving process to other classes.  It proved helpful.  Some students were draw to the video because they knew the participants.  Self-made instructional videos are proving helpful with instruction.  My action research centers around this technology.  It was also my proposal for the Atlanta Families' Awards for Excellence in Education back in 2008.  Although I did not win I was a semi-finalist and granted $500.00.  It was enough money to purchase an LCD projector (I wanted a 50 inch plasma T.V.) to present teacher/student-made videos and power-points to improve art instruction.  It's amazing what a small camera and an LCD projector can do for instruction!


Here is the second grade involved in learning the weaving process. After viewing the instructional video and the Power Point instructions the second graders were lead step by step (guided practice)through the first weave. After the first weave was completed they continued on their own for the second and third weaves (independent practice). The Power Point was helpful. The students could see the images clearly due to the large projection and the weaving process broken down into simple steps.

After viewing the video I found it encouraging that students were looking at the instructions!  One girl in the video was clearly looking at the power-point weaving steps!  My principal observed me when I was implementing this same lesson with another class and she commented on how the students were engaged and looking/observing the instructional power-point.  This was the second time this class was engaged in the weaving process.  A quick overview at the beginning of the video was given during the introductory class the week before.  This was a practice session for these second graders.  A future video teaching reflection entry will go into depth regarding the importance of practice and the development of eye-hand coordination.  Children must have the opportunity to develop their dexterity...to be handy with their hands.  Observing this video cements how imperative it is for students to review and practice if they are to acquire the skills and knowledge art standards require.

Reviewing this video helped me understand that tasking those students who acquired the weaving skill with teaching those who did not was profitable for both.  Some have the opportunity to become teachers and the others get that one-on-one input that the teacher is unable to give for the entire length of the class.  I saw myself encouraging those little second graders and correcting them...pointing out what was incorrect and how to correct the problem.  The students responded favorably and enjoyed the process.  Not all students acquired the weaving skill during filming, yet after this second 30 minute class period, they were on their way to passing the practical weaving test the following week.  Taking their weaving project home and having them practice the weaving process was a smart extension to the lesson.  I just hope they did their homework since I might be paid for their performance...or paid less due to the lack of it!  Perhaps I should have gone to their dwelling that evening to make certain they completed their weaving homework.  Ha!  I teach over 800 students.  Not possible.  Even asking their parents to sign a homework completion paper would be a nightmare.