Historical art analysis

Many units began with an opportunity to look at pieces of art from the time period we’re about to study.

Students “observed” a piece of art for 30 seconds then wrote down what they remembered about it. We did this again with another piece of art, representing a different perspective of the time period. Then students discussed what they saw, what they didn’t see, and how the pieces of art were different, first at their tables and then as a whole class. We also went through a number of discussion questions to introduce important topics and connect new learning to prior learning.

Student discussion greatly increases student outcomes, and art analysis mimics what students do on their phones all day - it’s an approachable way to introduce them to new information.