Document Type
Assignment
Publication Date
10-2018
Abstract
HUA 130 Beginning Photography consists of majors and non-majors and is the foundation course in the Photography program curriculum. This photo book assignment was revised and refined through a Learning Matters mini-grant. The guidance from the CTL mini-grant was extremely helpful in altering it to be more reflective of the Integrative Learning Core Competency and Digital Communication Ability. Rethinking and reworking these assignments have helped to enhance our skills at planning and execution of future assignments. This process has also contributed greatly to our understanding of LaGuardia’s Core Competencies and Communication Abilities.
In this assignment, students engage in integrative learning and practice digital communication skills by synthesizing and demonstrating what they have learned over the semester by designing and creating a photography book. The photography book should also include a half page written introduction that explains the theme of the book. The students demonstrate the ability to make connections across personal experiences, experiences in school, and ideas discussed in this photography class to create a visual expression of their experiences, thoughts, and ideas. The low stakes assignments challenge them to get out of their “comfort zone;” we discuss their work when we have critiques and their project is examined. Pushing them out of their “comfort zone” results in improved confidence, which can be applied to many situations throughout their lives. When they are out photographing, they are applying their intellectual skills, technical skills learned in class, and making connections between theories, practice, experience, as well as how to problem solve. Through creating this book, the students synthesize and advance what they have learned as well as writing a half page introduction and reflection that explains the theme of their particular book. They learn how to successfully communicate ideas, imagery, and writing. Students must prove successful operation across analog and digital photographic processes and display a high level of proficiency in this realm. The success of this assignment requires students to demonstrate ability using computers and software appropriate for the photographic field.
The responses from the students to the assignment were mostly positive and they were engaged. They did, however, have difficulty with the writing aspect, so I will finesse that component by adding a lower stakes reflection earlier in the semester, which should prepare the students for writing in their book.
LaGuardia’s Core Competencies and Communication Abilities
Learning Outcomes:
- Students prove successful operation across analog and digital photographic processes and demonstrate a high level of proficiency.
- Students demonstrate ability to use computers and software appropriate for the photographic field.
- Students learn how to successfully communicate ideas, imagery, and writing.
- Students gain understanding of making connections across ideas and experiences to synthesize and transfer learning.
The photo book is 25% of the final grade. The students are given 2 weeks to complete this book assignment.
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Comments
This resource is part of the Learning Matters Assignment Library.