How Technology Improved Student Achievement in My Art Class

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, July/August 2020 Issue

By Lori Mendiola

As a teacher, I have high standards that I expect students to reach. At the same time, however, trying to get them to take ownership of their learning can be difficult in the best of classrooms.

I had all this in mind when I accepted a new job as a high school art teacher in rural South Carolina. It was a big change from the Charter school that I had just left, and an even bigger challenge because it was a Title 1 school (higher rate of students in poverty), but I was determined to give it my all.

My first year was strenuous. I wanted students to be excited in the art room, to enjoy creating things, to feel accepted, and to be proud of their hard work. Instead, disciplinary problems were high, student achievement was low, and so was my patience.

My students were often on their phones, drawing on desks, arguing over grades, fighting with each other, and choosing not to do any class work. Any projects that were completed required repeated instructions because students weren’t listening the first time around, and were rushed, lacking effort, or not fully done.

I was frustrated with how the classes were going and knew I couldn’t do it again the following year. What worked with my Charter school students simply didn’t work for my current ones. I knew I needed to change my approach.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Lori Mendiola holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from the University of South Carolina and has taught art to students at all grade levels. She is currently completing her Master’s Degree and lives in Myrtle Beach, SC, with her husband and two children.

Education News

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Lori Mendiola
Lori Mendiola
Lori Mendiola holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from the University of South Carolina and has taught art to students at all grade levels. She is currently completing her Master’s Degree and lives in Myrtle Beach, SC, with her husband and two children.

Advertisement

Read More

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)
ignition casino mobile app | tần xuất hay tần suất | 3547700 | game choc pha mi nhan | crowne international casino danang | pay88 club | tải saoclub | vitamin 3b có tác dụng gì | nằm mơ thấy người chết đánh số gì | lite bao moi | big jackpot slots | xsbd 19 1 | hu vang slot | bong888 com | dortmund đấu với augsburg | video slot games online | casino ở sài gòn | tai sun casino | hu vang slot apk | big777 đẳng cấp game slots | casino valkenburg | nuoi lo khung net | v9betvn | map sỏi | slot pattern react | dự đoán xổ số bạc liêu | time slot | mơ thấy chó | halloween fortune slot | tro choi babybus | casino sound effects | stakes casino | online casino slots australia | những bài hát karaoke | đề về 11 | logan mienbac | thong ke loto mien bac | casino filme | spin palace casino review | 888 casino | spintastic casino bonus | 21d | đánh bài casino trực tuyến | casino online w88 | lucky89 border casino | circus circus hotel casino reno nevada | philip slot | v-league 2024 lịch thi đấu | tổ chức scp | kẻ săn anh hùng | sex kynu net | eye of horus slot game | iron man 3 slot | mơ thấy mèo mướp | turnkey online casino | vdqg argentina | thủ thuật quay slot | cú đấm máu | tai game fan slot | best online casinos in ireland | thiendia | casino live house | casino stud poker | trực tiếp bóng đá 91 | leovegas casino bonus | how to check number of ram slots in laptop | cashanova slot | xoilac 90phut | lucky koi slot |