Basic 9 · Creative Arts and Design · Creativity
Applying the Design Process, Producing Art and Appraising Performance
In this topic you will apply the design process to create an artefact that solves a local problem, produce visual artworks using the design process and organise an appraisal of dance and drama works.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Use the design process to plan a solution to a local problem
- Develop an artwork from a plan
- Organise an appraisal of dance and drama
What you already know
- Design process
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Design
- Sub-strand
- Creativity
- Indicator
- B9.1.3.1.3 – Demonstrate ability to apply the design process to create artefacts that solve specific problems in the local community
Introduction
This is where everything comes together. You will use the design process to solve a real problem in your community.
1. Finding the Problem
Start by observing and asking. Speak to people in your school or community. What wastes their time or money? What is unsafe, uncomfortable or difficult? Pick a problem that is small enough to tackle, as well as being meaningful. A problem such as "Rubbish in Ghana" is too large. "Learners have nowhere to sort waste at break" is a problem you could solve.
2. Research
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Who is affected? | identifies the user |
| When and where does it happen? | shows the context |
| What has been tried? | avoids repetition |
| What materials are available? | keeps it realistic |
| What can people afford? | sets limits |
3. Generating Ideas
Sketch at least three different ideas before choosing. Compare them with a table listing cost, ease of making, usefulness and safety. Give each one a score from 1 to 5, and use the scores to help you to choose. Be open to changing your mind. Talk to your users about your ideas, and listen carefully.
Decision table
Three bin designs score as follows. A: cost 4, ease 3, use 4. B: cost 2, ease 2, use 5. C: cost 5, ease 4, use 3. Which has the best total?
- A: 4 + 3 + 4 = 11.
- B: 2 + 2 + 5 = 9.
- C: 5 + 4 + 3 = 12.
Answer: Design C has the highest total
4. Planning the Making
Make a list of materials and tools, with costs. Break the work into steps, and set a date for each. Decide who will do what. Consider safety, including any sharp tools. Keep your drawings, notes and photographs for your portfolio, because examiners want to see your thinking as well as your finished product.
New words
- context
- The situation in which something happens.
- criteria
- Standards used for judging.
- specification
- A list of what a design must do.
- feasible
- Able to be done.
Summary
- Choose a real but manageable problem.
- Research users, context, materials and limits.
- Compare ideas fairly before choosing.
Class activity: Local Problem Plan
- Choose a local problem.
- Research and sketch three ideas.
- Use a table to pick the best.
You need: Printed photographs of a local Ghanaian sanitation problem, Reused cardboard, Sachet-water bags, Pencils with drawing paper
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Standards used for judging are…
- A. criteria
- B. moulds
- C. props
- D. chords
Show answer
Answer: criteriaEvaluation.2. Which is the best size of problem for a school project?
- A. manageable and meaningful
- B. world poverty
- C. all pollution
- D. none
Show answer
Answer: manageable and meaningfulScope.3. You should sketch more than one idea.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOptions.4. Able to be done is described as ______.
Show answer
Answer: feasiblePractical.5. State three research questions.
Show answer
Answer: Who is affected? What has been tried? What can people afford?Any three.6. Why should users be involved in choosing ideas?
Show answer
Answer: They know their needs and can show what would work.User-centred.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Visual Arts
- Sub-strand
- Innovation and the Design Process
- Indicator
- B9.2.2.1.1 – Design and produce own visual artworks that reflect a range of different times cultures and topical issues
Introduction
Plans are finished. Now your materials, tools and patience come together to make something real.
1. From Plan to Artwork
Start with a clear working drawing. Measure carefully, gather your materials and prepare your space. Work from the big shapes first, and add details last. Stop frequently to step back and look at your work from a distance. Ask a friend to give you an honest opinion. It is better to fix problems early than late.
2. Managing a Project
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| set milestones | keeps you on track |
| keep a process diary | shows your development |
| photograph each stage | gives evidence for your portfolio |
| manage your budget | avoids wasted money |
| tidy up each day | keeps your work safe |
3. Solving Problems While Making
Something usually goes wrong. Glue will not hold, the plaster cracks or colours do not match. Treat these moments as part of the creative process. Stop, identify the cause and try a fix. A crack may become a design feature. Sometimes the best ideas come from mistakes. Record what happened, so you can explain how you solved the problem.
4. Finishing Touches
Finishing lifts a piece from good to excellent. Remove glue marks, smooth rough edges and choose a suitable coating. Mount a picture on a clean backing, and give your work a title. Take a good photograph of your work with plenty of light, against a plain background. Finally, ask whether the finished work meets the brief. If it does not, what would you change next time?
New words
- working drawing
- A detailed drawing used for making.
- milestone
- A key stage in a project.
- process diary
- A record of how work developed.
- finish
- The final surface or look of a work.
Summary
- Follow your working drawing and manage your time.
- Treat problems as part of the creative process.
- A good finish and photo complete the work.
Class activity: Studio Session
- Work on your artwork.
- Photograph each stage.
- Write a diary entry.
You need: Pencils, Drawing paper, Printed photographs of Ghanaian stools, Baskets
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A key stage in a project is a…
- A. milestone
- B. pleat
- C. cadence
- D. prop
Show answer
Answer: milestonePlanning.2. The aim of a process diary is to…
- A. record how the work developed
- B. hide mistakes
- C. replace the artwork
- D. advertise
Show answer
Answer: record how the work developedEvidence.3. Finishing improves the look of a work.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueQuality.4. A detailed drawing used for making is a ______ drawing.
Show answer
Answer: workingPlan.5. Give three project management tips.
Show answer
Answer: Set milestones, keep a diary and manage the budget.Any three.6. Explain how a problem during making can be useful.
Show answer
Answer: It can lead to better ideas and shows your problem-solving ability.Reflection.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Performing Arts (Dance and Drama)
- Sub-strand
- Creative and Aesthetic Expression
- Indicator
- B9.2.2.3.9 – Organize an appreciation and appraisal of own and others’ dance and drama artworks that reflect a range of different times cultures and topical issues
Introduction
Appreciating a performance is a skill. The more carefully you watch, the more you will enjoy it and learn from it.
1. Organising an Appraisal
- Choose works by you and others.
- Fix a date and venue.
- Prepare appraisal forms.
- Invite teachers, elders or practitioners.
- Perform or show the works.
- Hold a guided discussion.
- Record the conclusions.
2. Stages of Appraisal
| Stage | Task | Example |
|---|---|---|
| describe | say what you saw | "The dancers formed a circle." |
| analyse | explain how it was organised | "Movement grew faster to build tension." |
| interpret | explain what it means | "The circle shows unity." |
| judge | decide its value | "It was moving, but it ran too long." |
3. Comparing Different Times and Cultures
A traditional Adowa dance, a Bamaya dance from the north and a modern contemporary dance use movement in different ways. Each must be judged by its purpose and setting. Adowa uses elegant hand gestures with meanings. Bamaya was traditionally linked with rain and is performed by men, often dressed as women. Do not judge one culture's work by another's standards. Ask what the performers set out to do, and how well they did it.
4. Responding Respectfully
When people perform, they take a risk. Good appraisal is honest and kind. Give evidence, praise specific strengths and suggest clear improvements. Avoid personal comments about a performer's body or voice. As a performer, accept feedback calmly and thank those who give it. When practitioners visit a school to give feedback, take notes, because their experience is valuable.
New words
- appraisal
- Judging the value of a work.
- describe
- To say what is seen.
- interpret
- To explain meaning.
- practitioner
- A person who works in a field.
Summary
- Organising an appraisal needs planning and forms.
- Appraisal has four stages: describe, analyse, interpret, judge.
- Each work should be judged fairly by its purpose.
Class activity: Appraisal Panel
- Watch a performance.
- Use the four stages.
- Present your appraisal.
You need: Atumpan drum, Calabash rattle, Printed photographs of Ghanaian dance poses
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The first stage of appraisal is to…
- A. describe
- B. judge
- C. rehearse
- D. applaud
Show answer
Answer: describeOrder.2. Bamaya comes from…
- A. northern Ghana
- B. the Volta coast
- C. Japan
- D. Asante
Show answer
Answer: northern GhanaDagomba.3. Works should be judged by their purpose.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueFairness.4. Explaining the meaning of a work is to ______ it.
Show answer
Answer: interpretAppraisal.5. Name the four stages of appraisal.
Show answer
Answer: Describe, analyse, interpret and judge.Stages.6. Why should different dance traditions not be judged by a single standard?
Show answer
Answer: Each has its own purpose and setting, so the fairest test is how well it achieves that.Fairness.
Homework
- Appraise a dance or play using the four stages.