| Statement of Teaching Philosophy My teaching philosophy is based on a traditional foundation; however, it includes various aspects of a more contemporary approach to learning. One of the hallmarks of an excellent instructor is to recognize how to adjust to the different learning approaches of students. My teaching methodology has been to use as many different ways that I can in order to connect with the various students, as well as to challenge them to learn as much as they can learn. Teaching studio art is very different than teaching, say, science or mathematics, in that the scientist and the mathematician usually have exact answers to problems, such as a number. However, teaching visual art relies very importantly on the instructor's wide subjective knowledge in art and culture. A good teacher relies on teaching experience, strong responsibility, and patience in educating and developing each individual student's natural ability. The effective teacher teaches step by step and leads students from being unknowledgeable in visual art to knowing the discipline well and being comfortable in the visual art world. My teaching methods combine traditional techniques and advanced computer technologies. I adopt different communication strategies to teach students. I use handouts, writing on the board, presentations, demonstrations, and gallery and museum visits to communicate with my students. Information about the class and school is very neatly presented in my handouts and syllabus. Furthermore, I make resources available on the Internet. I show examples of student works, historical masterpieces, and contemporary works during class so that students can learn about a variety of artistic styles and techniques. Individual and group critiques are frequently held in class. I encourage students to learn from their own mistakes as I have learned from mine. I love to inspire students with my years of experience and knowledge in art. I am confident that I have been a good teacher and have the potential to be even better. I strive to help students to build a solid art foundation and inspire them in their career paths. Painting Program at Paducah School of Art The Paducah School of Art (PSA) painting program offers a series of courses available for both the serious student of art and the art enthusiast. Painting I is a course that provides an introduction to painting. Painting I students paint from observation of still life, learning oil painting materials, tools, color theory, color mixing skills, general and traditional painting techniques, a variety of compositional approaches, critical thinking skills, and the exploration of various other painting styles. Painting II continues students’ development of skill acquisition and practice of painting from Painting I. Painting II students develop concepts in their paintings, and study human form and landscape. Two of the learning objectives are for students to develop a global approach and to continue to develop further a “critical eye” in evaluation of contemporary painting. The Figure Painting (Directed Studies in Art) course involves painting the figure in an environment, multi-figure composition, the figure in an architectural setting, the figure in landscape, and other figure related problems. The course begins with a classical emphasis and then later explores painterly and abstract approaches to the figure and the figure as a vehicle for creative expression. As instructor and head of the painting program, BiLan Liao’s philosophy in teaching is to build on the basis of a traditional foundation; however, it includes various aspects of a more contemporary approach to learning. One of the hallmarks of an excellent instructor is to recognize how to adjust to the different learning approaches of students. Her teaching methodology has been to use as many different ways that she can in order to connect with various students, as well as to challenge them to learn as much as they can learn. Teaching studio art is very different than teaching, say, science or mathematics, in that the scientist and the mathematician usually have exact answers to problems, such as a number. Teaching visual art relies very importantly on the instructor's wide subjective knowledge in art and culture. A good teacher also relies on teaching experience, strong responsibility, and patience in educating and developing each individual student's natural ability. The effective teacher teaches step by step and leads students from being unknowledgeable in visual art to knowing the discipline well and being comfortable in the visual art world |
| BiLan's Three Step Teaching Method Step 1: Lecture - Explain the ideas and concept to students. Step 2: Demonstrate - Show students the way how do to do. Step 3: Practical Work - Students practice the task, while the teacher monitors the performance of the task, making on the spot corrections. |
| BiLan Liao Gallery |