Today I taught 2 lessons on design using the PowerPoint. The response from the students was very favourable.

From looking at their earlier work I could see that they were keen on design. Because this enthusiasm was in place I thought that, with permission, I could introduce them to a few more design principles. My associates were both keen on that so I put together a PowerPoint that demonstrated some appropriate and inappropriate uses of ‘balance’, ‘unity’, ‘contrast’, ‘perspective’, ‘harmony’, and ‘consistency’.

It seemed to have gone over well. The task was also very relevant to their situation in that it was an assessment from previous years. They listened and interacted with me during my explanation and they were quiet and on-task the entire period.

At the end of the lesson I felt as if something was definitely learned. Very satisfying.

Some points that Glenys Falloon pointed out to me for improvement:

when questioning :

– allow the students some time to think before I jump in and give the answer.
– try to ask questions that bring the students to the conclusion you want instead of asking “whats the conclusion?”
ex. Use “How is this design weighted? Is it centered or off-sided? What’s that called? Answer: balance”
instead of “What’s the balance of this design look like?”

– she said that I did good with the PowerPoint because I didn’t completely rely on it for my lesson. I used it as a tool. She said that there is a tendency to use OHPs in such a way where all of the information is on view for everyone to see and it doesn’t engage their thinking. If its used supportively then its great otherwise if you just read each slide off for them it loses impact.