Burton, J.M. Preface. Ch. 9. Early Adolescence: Ideas in search of forms

 Burton, J.M. Preface. Ch. 9. Early Adolescence: Ideas in search of forms

This chapter gave a mixed assessment of children between the ages of 10-14 years old. My major take-away was how this period is an investigation of truth. Children are asking questions about themselves and the world around them. They are asking "serious" questions about life, connections, and hypocrisy. Due to the investigative mode (mindset) comic strips and doodling prove to be excellent forms of expression for thinking about topics, questions, streams of consciousness. Burton states that it is the "Stage of Reasoning" highlighted by Lowenfeld that is flanked by a shaky foundation of truth/reality and the need to use/relate to the culture and conditions of their circumstance. 

The realization of multiple truths led me to my current unit for 8th grade. We are discussing topics such as race, privilege, (I don't know if "class" exists currently), and spirituality/religion. All topics that find themselves explored in the arts. I am asking them to think about their "truth" or perspective on such topics. I made it broad so that kids could all have a weigh-in. For students who think surface-level (ie personal abilities or talents), through feedback, they are asked to think about topics on larger levels. 

I had a very interesting debate on Friday about video games and whether or not they are "a waste of time" or not. Students connected to their career goals, abilities, and strategic planning for lifestyle goals and career goals. One student was very thoughtful in his argument when he discussed the body's need for an "escape" and how video games provide that outlet. Another student rationalized the other things people do in life that some wouldn't consider a waste of time but prove to be (like how students attend college, thus gaining debt, but find themselves without work). 

This chapter made me think more about "drawing" as a skill vs a necessity. She states "other of Lowenfeld's time, such as Cyril Burt, Helga Eng, and Herbert Read, also notes the sharp decline in the freedom and expressivity of young adolescent art, especially in drawing." This leads me to think that drawing is something worth saving. It makes me wonder why so many young people leave the act of drawing as they age. Is it due to the pressure of perfection or are teacher's not assigning students to draw as much as when they were in elementary. I definitely see the demand of illustrations in elementary and the demand of written word in middle school. So, should I push for drawing components in my classroom? Should I push for computer drawing applications as a supplement if students don't feel as confident? 

Another excellent point that this chapter made was about the balance of traditional skills-based learning and freedom of expression. At this age, it's very important that students have choice and their interests are explored. I have to keep in mind that direct instruction is "mentally" important at this age due to the idea of risk-taking and self-criticism. She states "loss of confidence in skillful handling of materials affects young people's abilities to handle them in ways that best reflect changing ideas about self and world." They need some sort of reminder of foundational tools in order to carry-on their self-expression. As well-stated "one of the central dilemmas for adolescents, thus, is the loss of vocabulary adequate to the construction and expression of new thoughts and feelings."

Further questions:

Do we have software today the makes comic-strip style artwork simple for students? 

How does "coding" fit into artistic expression?

In terms of digital art and play, given the experience of the pandemic, should teachers return to more "hands-on" art-making approaches or use digital skills learned? How would a transition play out/look like?

Appropriation for youngsters is considered a good foundation for this artistic exploration, what are the limits and expectations of using past art to make new art?

This chapter, like so many others, have made me think about the importance of exposure. Are there adverse effects of exposure? Is there a chance that showing kids too much diminishes their inner voice?