I made a critique game this week! I wanted something that was guided but not formulaic and easy to navigate so students could work independently in groups. Most of all I wanted it to create an opportunity for students to strengthen relationships and think critically about peers’ artwork.
Students played the game in groups of four to six. They started by selecting a work to share. Next, I passed the cards out. They stayed facedown on the table as group members took turns drawing a card and answering the questions.
I tried to write cards that asked for various thinking, including thinking about formal qualities like line, texture, and color, as well as expressive qualities like symbolism and meaning.
The are no “what’s one thing that could make it better” or “share a suggestion for improvement” cards. I want to build a positive, supportive classroom community and I don’t think unsolicited criticism from peers supports that. I have those conversations with students myself and focus on in-progress work. I’ve found that when I focus on building relationships, students ask for feedback more often from me and trusted friends. Read more of my writing about critique here
Here are the cards I’ve written! I just printed them and cut them out.
This is such an awesome idea! I’m going to try it with my middle school classes. Thank you! I think they will love that it’s like a game and doesn’t feel formal. Brilliant!
Thank you so much, you are a TAB rockstar!