Structured Freedom is...
...is a balance of self governing freewill and responsible constraints. Structured Freedom is not free range over anything and everything for such a description would simply define freedom.
When structured freedom is used in an education setting the choice to act
This past session the teens were split into groups of three and each group was given a different challenge based on the work of one of the three Spotlight Artists from the Momentum Tulsa 2014 exhibit orchestrated and curated by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Collation (OVAC) at the Living Arts Center.
responsibly or irresponsibly is presented to every student. This choice given is crucial, although some consider it somewhat risky, in order to attain respect and result in good work. Yes, it's a given that someone may abuse their freedom and end up in trouble however when a student decides to act responsibly their work will exceed what they would have normally came up with and hopefully had a more valuable and memorable learning experience. This past session the teens were split into groups of three and each group was given a different challenge based on the work of one of the three Spotlight Artists from the Momentum Tulsa 2014 exhibit orchestrated and curated by the Oklahoma Visual Arts Collation (OVAC) at the Living Arts Center.
Challenge One Billijo Zorn: Consider the impact of the object(s) you brought today. Using your objects, create a work of art either individually or as a group that illustrates one or more of the object(s) impact. You may use other studio supplies for this project. Challenge Three Dillon Votaw: Considering Dillon's work, go outside and together interview people only on Brady St (from Living Arts to The Tavern) about their reaction to the streets space. After interviewing a handful of people go back to the studios and create a work of art that illustrates your findings. | Challenge Two Kerri Shadid: Go outside and walk up and down Brady St (from Living Arts to The Tavern) and write down any or all the words you see or hear. Return to the studio and using the studio supplies examine your found words and reconstruct them to create something entirely new. |
For each challenge the teens were allowed to roam around by themselves outside but within a marked distance of a couple blocks. The teens were also encouraged to converse with whoever they wanted or happened to encounter however with a defined topic of discussion in mind. The teens were given responsibility over their time management but knew that 6:45pm their completed response to their challenge would be due. The teens were also provided with a meeting space or home base to return to.
These challenges were thoughtfully fashioned within a structured freedom format to allow room for exploration, intentional learning, collaboration, and fun within set boundaries or guidelines to keep the teens safe and on track. Below are some of their challenge results.
These challenges were thoughtfully fashioned within a structured freedom format to allow room for exploration, intentional learning, collaboration, and fun within set boundaries or guidelines to keep the teens safe and on track. Below are some of their challenge results.
Group Kerri Shadid