Critique: Using Student Feedback to Encourage Quality Work

"Austin's Butterfly" produced by EL Education, also found here.

I can honestly say that this video is one of the best teaching tools I have ever used. It literally changed my (teaching) life and students are also deeply effected by its message. "Austin's Butterfly" steps students of any age through the powerful process of critique and shows them how this process dramatically changes the quality of their work. I recently showed this video to my 4th graders who are working on a realistic landscape drawing showing perspective. In years past I have also shown it to 5th graders working on animal and textile drawings, both using reference photographs. Even though Austin is a 1st grader, I make the point of mentioning to my classes that if a younger student's artwork can improve through a critique then an older student's work will definitely improve. 

If you would like to do a critique with students (of any age), there is a simple process to introduce this invaluable feedback technique.

1. Show this video! EL Education's "Austin's Butterfly".
2. Discuss the process that Austin and his classmates went through during the critique.
1. Point out that the feedback Austin received was specific and given kindly.
2. Feedback focused on one aspect at a time - shape and then pattern, which are both observable in the photograph Austin referenced.
3. Demonstrate a critique with the whole class using your own artwork or a from volunteer.
1. I always thank students for their bravery and have the class clap for each student to end their critique on a positive note.
4. Release students to critique on their own. This can take different forms depending on time and the maturity of your students:
1. Oral critique with a partner or small group
2. Written critique*
5. Students create a second draft or make changes to their work-in-progress.
6. Repeat critique process as necessary. 
7. Students reflect on their experience to improve the quality of their work by participating in the critique process.  
1. Grab an editable reflection sheet here.

*Written Critique: For my fifth grade students, I asked each artist to lay out their draft, reference photo, and a blank paper. All students walked around and wrote their specific, kind suggestions for improvement on each artist's blank paper. I asked each student to visit a minimum of 5 other artworks to write their feedback. Most students gladly visited more and only time prevented them from viewing all of the artworks to give feedback. Afterward, we came back together as a group to display each student's the photo and draft then read through the comments. After the whole-class critique, this activity is like independent practice so I wanted to do quality-control on the comments and make sure students were understanding how to give appropriate feedback.

 

Here are a few of my favorite moments from the video that have improved my own teaching practice:

"Looking like a scientist"

 Artists use skills from many other disciplines and close observation helps masters in every field. When students rush through their work, forget important or interesting details, and can't get their subject to look just right it is most often because they aren't looking like a scientist. I ask them to go back to use their scientist eyes to take their subject from the impression in their mind and create a stronger likeness to real life that elevates their work.

  "Good start"

What do you think? One of the most loaded questions in the art room because it usually comes when students have hit a creative wall and are looking for permission to be done. To encourage them in continuing, I will tell them that they have a good start and then give a suggestion for moving beyond the stumbling block. If your students are consistently struggling to find the finish line, consider the (general) qualities of good artwork, or what I like to call craftsmanship. Make your students aware of expectations and give them the tools to reflect on their progress. I discuss this in more detail in my post about grading, which you can find here.

"More drafts to make it better"

I am a firm believer in the power of a sketchbook. I also believe in planning, practicing, and perfecting before starting a final project. At the beginning of each project, I have a discussion with my students about how our materials are precious. Each student gets a single piece of paper for their final project and I expect them to persevere through the challenges of finishing their project on that paper. So first, they must make a rough draft to work out their ideas, uncover snags in their plan, and erase to their heart's content. The final draft flows more smoothly and there are fewer frustrations when students have worked out the kinks in a low-pressure format like their sketchbook. 

Are there any videos or resources you share with students to help them reflect on their work? Have you ever had an "aha!" moment in teaching and what inspired it?

Artfully,

Catherine