A combination of innovative personal teaching styles and the use of multimedia technology is a good recipe for “enhancing the creative potential of young learners as they prepare for the challenges ahead”.
This is according to Merna Meyer, whose colourful project, “Animation goes potty”, was one of 20 finalists in the Innovative Teacher Awards last year. Through this project Meyer aimed to improve the perceptual and interpretative skills of learners through the study of ceramic pots from different cultures.
Meyer is a passionate arts and culture teacher who obtained her BA (Ed) in postmodern architecture from the University of Pretoria. She did a stint at SABC news as a computer graphics artist and then she taught intermediate and senior learners at the Northern Academy in Polokwane, Limpopo. It was during her time at the Northern Academy that she participated in the Innovative Teacher Awards.
Meyer recently founded her own company called Artworx Studios, also in Limpopo. As a former arts and culture teacher she uses her knowledge to empower those involved in the arts.
Meyer says through projects such as “Animation goes potty” she seeks to simplify and translate complex concepts and ideas through a focus on both indigenous and global cultures. Learners study how ceramic pots are made and which values and concepts inspire their construction.
She uses Greek pottery as a case study and compares it to local artifacts. “We focus on pots because they reflect one’s cultural identity and carry profound symbolism. They also have functional value in the home,” says Meyer.
She is fascinated by the Greek pots’ intricate design details and shapes and styles. ‘Their complexities and the way they have been adorned make good study material as learners get to explore all the various elements involved in their making,” she says.
This is all mediated through the use of ICT-based graphics. Working in groups, learners do research via the internet and use “Hercules” DVD animations, which are based on Greek mythology. Meyer says she taps into the power of graphic animations because it enlivens lessons and creates a fun-filled and exciting learning atmosphere.
The idea is to use the ancient Greek pot-making experience as a template for learners to create their own designs, drawing on the contemporary context and elements. An example is drawings of pots for which learners used themes associated with the 2010 World Cup. The pots reflect different decorations, patterns and symbolism that echo and emphasise the Africanness of the event.
“In the end, learners produced their own content and came up with amazing drawings, which were nuanced and engaging,” says Meyer. She feels that because the project is practical, it not only empowers learners to be creative, but also helps teachers to do in-depth assessments for learner performance.
“The combination of technology and personal passion for education engages and energises the learner meaningfully in producing innovative, quality outcomes. Technology links arts and crafts with tools which make the end product inspiring, funky and useful,” she enthuses.
A teacher whose entry is judged to be one of the 20 best in the Innovative Teachers Awards will be invited to present his/her innovation to judges at the Innovative Teacher Awards in Johannesburg on August 20 and 21 2008. At this event finalists will be selected to attend the Worldwide Innovative Teacher Awards in Bangkok, Thailand, in October 2008. For more information visit www.school.za/itf