Making Art
 : Two Sculptures
Approach: One to One Interview                  
440k

Resources: Video recording of two sculptures; colour photographs of each sculpture

The student viewed a short video recording of two sculptures in public places. The student viewed the first sculpture and responded to interview questions on that sculpture before seeing the second sculpture and responding to associated questions. Colour photographs of the sculptures were used to support discussion after viewing the video (see opposite page). The teacher administrator asked a sequence of questions to investigate the student's knowledge, understandings and ideas about each sculpture in turn, then the two sculptures in relation to each other. Prompts (in italics) were given only when it was considered necessary to seek or encourage clarification from the student.

The following questions were asked:

  1. I would like you to describe what you saw in the video. This picture of the sculpture will help you.
    (Give the student the photo)

  2. What do you think this sculpture is about?
    What is the purpose of the sculpture?
    Why do you think the artist made the sculpture in this way?
    What is the artist trying to say with this sculpture?

  3. Why do you think this sculpture has been put in a public place?
    Why do you think the place was chosen for the sculpture?

  4. 4 How does the sculpture make you feel?
    Do you like it?
    Can you explain why?

    Questions relating the two sculptures.

  5. I would like you to explain any similarities between the two sculptures - are there any ways in which they are similar? Are there any other ways in which they are similar?

  6. Could you now explain the important differences between the two sculptures.
    Are there any other important differences that you notice?

  7. We haven't got a title for the sculptures. I would like you to think of a title or a name for each one.
    What name or title would you give to each sculpture?

  8. Which of the two sculptures do you like most?
    Why do you like that one most?
    Are there any other reasons why you like that one most?

There is a very similar distribution of ratings across the 6 point scale for both year 4 and 8 students. Although one sculpture was changed between year 4 and 8, the task procedure was the same.

 
Key attributes (1 low - 4 high) Qualities mean score
y4
y8

description
identification of images; detail of description; art making information (use of colour, dimensionality, etc.)
2.2
2.4

responsiveness

sense of engagement; curiosity; confidence; feelings, empathy.
2.2 2.3

interpretation

accounting for detail; narrative - tells a story; relevant use of art vocabulary; fluency of ideas; backing opinions with reasons; use of metaphor.
2.0 2.4
Global Rating (1 low - 6 High) 2.8 3.1

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