Parker Ketring explores several core questions related to teaching and education, reflecting on their personal philosophy and motivations. They believe that everything is worth teaching and that even those unwilling to learn deserve the effort, as they may simply doubt their ability to learn.
Master artist of the past need to be explicit sources of learning for the learner to become such masters of art
Learners need to understand that art was and continues to be a founding principle of the progress of humanity on the earth
Understanding history of our nation and humanities of the world comes from a firm understanding of art throughout time
Learning art via Lab
Learners discouragement in not succeeding self expected art outcomes leads to growth in becoming better artist. This does not happen in lectures
Expands learners growth and desire to influence the individual, community, society, nation and world through inspiration of the mind to art
True learning of art is shown through physical interaction with art materials after lectures and study
Learning art via lecture
Helps blur the line between application of learning and actually performing and building art skills
Important to help learners use visual learning both by teacher and master of skill to understand principles of art
Core Essential Questions
7. What is the role of school in society?
My dreams and inspirations were born from being in school. I was introduced to my earthly possibilities because I had good teachers in school that showed me that it was possible for me to be a learner and to make my dreams a reality. It pressed upon my mind the desire to become someone worth knowing in my communities and within my society.
Apart from the quality of our future which I've already mentioned, I think that giving the opportunity to take youth out of homes or communities that can hurt them is another great role of school for our society. It is a literal impossibility that every home within every school district has a loving home where the child feels safe. Some students come to school because it is the only place that they feel loved and have friends.
6. Upon what foundation are U.S. public schools built?
I think that instead of confusing this with a "how much do I know about U.S. public schools history" question, I'm going to regard this as "what do I think the foundation of U.S. public schools are". I would hope that foundations of U.S. public schools are built on principles of quality (both in teachers and learning), equality, cleanliness *********
5. How do I learn?
Very specifically, I need a quiet place with music that helps me focus, to be able to learn and study. This is the best setting for me. But in regards to answering this question as a core question to a philosophy of teaching, I would say that applied learning is the best form of learning from me. I'm very good at executing commands as I view them from others. If I watch a teacher show me how to doing an action in painting, for example, I will be able to replicate what they do. And as long as I continually apply that example I'll be able to incorporate it into my mind and work on it becoming better.
4. What is worth teaching?
This honestly seems like a trick question to me. Since it's a core question though I'll offer my best, least sarcastic answer possible. I think all things are worth teaching. It will always be rewarding to teach anyone willing to learn. I think that those who don't want to learn are worth teaching because that learner simply doesn't think that they can learn.
3. What is my work as learner and teacher?
My work as a learner, whilst being a teacher at the same time, is to continually seeking out better ways to improve my skills within the realm of my teaching responsibilities and grow them outside of work. If I find a new way to paint that is easier, safer, more fun and is rewarding the learner then i'm going to adjust what I teach to match the way my learners can understand what I've gained from my own learning.
My work as a teacher is to make sure all learners as learning. I feel like I haven't really done my part if a student ever feels like they aren't or can't succeed in my class. I've failed as a teacher if I can't meet the learning requirements of all my students.
To become a learner and a teacher you have to first understand that you will never reach a point where you will know all things and that you can stop learning. If you're set on being a teacher you need to be a learner as well.
2. How do I view those I teach?
I view those I teach, people of our future. Our culture makes it difficult to see the future and focus more on the present. We only care about what is happening now, instead of preparing for the future. If we can get out of this mindset then we will all be better off.
1. Who am I and what motivates me?
I am Parker. And I find motivation is the creations of others. Video games in my youth helped me be beyond myself. Living out an avatar with no consequence can be a deterrent. But those experience helped me realize that a real people on earth made a virtual world where I could be something else. My dreams of creating my own virtual world for others enjoy is what has lead me here. I have spent more time being told that I couldn't make it. That I wouldn't be able to get into a profession that would allow me to be part of the video game industry. I was so sick and tired of being told this that it became more important to me that I could be a teacher that would foster and help grow a desire in youth to seek out their dreams instead of judging people at an early age and trying to mold them into something I personally think they could become because of what I saw in the present. I still will create my own virtual world at some point. And it will be because I realized that an art teacher who judged me was wrong and that I could do anything I wanted. Any youth that feels like they can do anything, in any art class I teach, without feeling suppressed is already a successful learner to me.