My Students Are Making Mail-Art, Help!

[jon foster]

Not that many of you guys or any of you guys actually know this, but I’m a teacher at a community college in North Carolina. The one thing that annoys me most about my students is their constant clamor about wanting more and more extra credit. As usual, I obliged them in their request and gave them a couple extra credit opportunities. This semester because of my involvement with IUOMA, I decided to make them create postcards for their extra credit assignment.

Before I send out the assignment, what do you guys think I should have them emphasize, if anything? Any suggestions?

jon

[jon foster]

I like the idea Austin, I may have them create a postcard based on something we've read. I like the idea, I like the idea.

[Austin Wills James]

Maybe have the subject matter of the card their interpretation of a quote by one of those weighty British authors? In any case I'd be happy to reply to any students who participate.
-AWJ-

[jon foster]

Wow guys, thanks so much for all of the tips. I'm definately going to make it an optional assignment that if they do, they get a little extra credit for. I just didn't want them to do another written assignment about weighty British authors.

[andytgeezer]

Emphasis that you will not be judging their work, and nor will the recipients. They should feel utterly free to express themselves in whatever manner they wish as their effort and artistry will be appreciated. Art is not really about getting credit, but about expressing something.

What I found is that mailart allows you to get praise from a stranger. Strangely criticism from a stranger is nothing, but praise is universal.

[cheryl penn]

Like Dewi I am happy to return to every card sent

[Karen Champlin]

I say just let their young minds be free!

[Austin Wills James]

I'd say the world through their own eyes, stress that art isn't always about the skill or style; but often the story or subject is just as important. Encouraging them to think a little bit harder about the world around them, and less on perfectly shaded circles may yeild some interesting & unexpectd results.
-AWJ-

[Dewi]

I'm willing to do an exchange if you would like.

[cheryl penn]

What a good idea Jon - just tell them they should be excited to receive their own work, not to dish out bad stuff - the better you send the better you get??