Walker 2001 Big Ideas and Artmaking

This article is nothing new to me as I have read it twice before, but I am grateful for the chance to review what a big idea is, especially since I will be making several lessons based around a big idea this semester. I like how the article lays out some example big ideas. Walker also gave examples of concepts that aren't big ideas, which I appreciated. The distinction between theme, big idea, and materials were laid out in some detailed examples.

For me, the most useful part is when the article goes on to talk about unit planning because it gives a decent guide on how to frame a lesson based off of big ideas found in contemporary art work. The article stressed the importance of truly researching any artists you plan to use with a non-example involving a unit with the big idea of confusion based off of Kandinsky's work, however, Kandinsky's work doesn't have much to do with confusion even if the paintings might seem chaotic on first glance.

The tips and tricks laid off to the side demonstrating possible activities were quite nice. My favorite side bar was the one about asking essential questions and how they should be constructed. I think it will be one of those resources that I will continue to reference in my teaching career to serve as a reminder of what to do if I get lost.