At our field site I taught a few students the process of creating a stain glass piece. We began by sketching a geometric design that would be simple enough for a first piece. I explained how important it was for the pieces to all fit together and be big enough to grind out and solder. After the designs were complete we made a few copies so that they would always have an image to refer back to. Next the students picked out their glass and glued the design shapes so that they would be ready to cut out the shapes. Students were given a lesson in how to cut the glass and then grind it down to size. This was a long and frustrating process for the students when they realized I was not joking about how precise the pieces had to be in order to fit together. “Like a puzzle,” I explained and from there on out the students did not cut corners in trying to grind down each shape. The soldering process seemed easy for them compared to the length grinding period. Wrapping the copper tape around the shapes and taping the puzzle together to be soldered were the quick steps. But remembering to use the flux and solder neatly seemed to pose a bit of a challenge. It took almost the entire trimester for students to complete their pieces, but the patience and determination that was demonstrated was astounding.
When the students were finished I felt successful in the sense that I knew that they understood the process and would be able to repeat it to create more pieces as well as teach it to peers so they could do the same. But what I felt was unsuccessful, was the amount of time I had to spend with them each week, as well as the organization of the classroom I taught them in. I felt so bad when materials that were crucial to the next step of the process went missing. Even when I tried to label and even hide the supplies they would still go missing. A lot of time was wasted searching for the necessary materials and that took away from the time I could have spent demonstrating so the students would be more prepared for the days I was not at the school.
Wow very nice lesson, I liked they way you described it to them! Sounds very helpful and as though they enjoyed the lesson as well. Im happy to read they were successful and determined in the classroom. That is a challenge when supplies are missing. This will help you be more prepared next time and maybe provide a specific place for the pieces to go, which is really tedious but may be work the time later. I'm sure if this was your classroom it would be a much different story. Sounds like you did well in your experience and im sure the students enjoyed it as much as you did.
ReplyDeleteSince Stained Glass is not offered at that school, that was a really great experience you provided for these students. I am sure that it was great for them to work from beginning to end and make a finished piece. This sense of completion does not always happen at the alternative school. They beautiful on display, you should be very pleased!
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