Interviews

Demonstration Lessons ?

This is an example of how AI might support professional development by reminding us of key issues.

Interviews are stressful, and often there is little time to prepare for the demands of the selection process with the different tasks and interviews. Teachers will also need to quickly assess the expectations and values of the recruiting school. Facebook is often used to seek ideas for the ‘demonstration lesson’. However, advice is sometimes limited to simplistic references to art practices and outcomes. This fails to acknowledge that a 30-minute ‘art’ lesson is seldom designed to test art outcomes, or subject knowledge for that matter which is usually explored in interviews. It is essentially about basic pedagogy and the relationship with pupils. 

The prompt below seeks to help teachers invited to interview to prepare effectively by:

  1. reminding them of the criteria the demonstration lesson is designed to assess,
  2. how the observer (who may often not be a subject specialist) might recognise the skills and attributes being assessed;
  3. How a 30 minute art lesson can be designed to enable the teacher being interviewed to demonstrate those skills and attributes.

This is followed by the actual response from the AI programme Claude. This is given in full below and was generated in January 2025. Teachers will wish to adapt and amend the prompt according to their particular circumstance. This could be useful in redirecting the teachers attention towards broad issues of pedagogy and professional competence rather than simply the art outcomes.

 

Prompt

You are an experienced headteacher. I am an art teacher applying for a new post as head of art in an English secondary school. I have been asked to attend for interview. I have been asked to teach demonstration lesson with a class of 13 year old students. The lesson lasts for 30 minutes. Can you help me prepare for this by explaining the following: What particular professional skills and attributes a demonstration lesson like this will assess? How these professional skills and attributes can be seen and judged in a demonstration lesson? Give me three ideas for a 30 minute art lesson which will enable me to demonstrate these professional skills and attributes.

 

 

Claude AI Response

Let me help you understand what we as headteachers look for in demonstration lessons, particularly for a Head of Art position.

Key Professional Skills and Attributes Being Assessed:

  1. Leadership Potential
  • Command of the classroom
  • Clear, authoritative communication
  • Ability to inspire and engage students
  • Strong presence and confidence
  1. Teaching Excellence
  1. Subject Expertise
  • Deep understanding of art techniques
  • Ability to break down complex concepts
  • Integration of art history/context
  • Technical vocabulary usage
  1. Student Engagement
  • Building rapport quickly
  • Managing behavior positively
  • Inclusive teaching approaches
  • Encouraging participation

How These Are Judged:

  • Through student responses and engagement levels
  • Quality of your explanations and demonstrations
  • Pace and structure of the lesson
  • How you handle questions and misconceptions
  • Your movement around the classroom
  • Use of voice and body language
  • Quality of resources and materials
  • Evidence of planning and preparation
  • Differentiation in practice

Three Lesson Ideas (30 minutes each):

  1. “Artist’s Eye: Proportions in Portraiture”
  • Quick starter: Show 3 portrait examples (2 mins)
  • Demonstrate basic facial proportion rules (5 mins)
  • Guided practice: Students use mirrors/photos to sketch basic proportions (15 mins)
  • Gallery walk of work-in-progress with peer feedback (5 mins)
  • Plenary: Link to famous portraits and next steps (3 mins) This shows technical expertise, clear demonstration skills, and ability to give constructive feedback.
  1. “Color Theory Through Contemporary Art”
  • Opening: Show a contemporary artwork using bold color theory (3 mins)
  • Quick color wheel review with student participation (5 mins)
  • Practical: Students create abstract compositions using complementary colors (15 mins)
  • Mini-critique session with art vocabulary focus (5 mins)
  • Closing reflection: Link to contemporary artists (2 mins) This demonstrates subject knowledge, student engagement, and ability to lead meaningful discussions.
  1. “Visual Storytelling: Mixed Media Narratives”
  • Introduction: Show powerful example of visual narrative (3 mins)
  • Demonstrate mixed media techniques (5 mins)
  • Students create quick storyboards using mixed media (15 mins)
  • Peer discussion using specific success criteria (5 mins)
  • Final sharing and links to broader contexts (2 mins) This shows creativity, technical skill, and ability to manage complex activities in limited time.

Additional Tips:

  • Have a clear backup plan if technology fails
  • Prepare more activities than you need
  • Bring all materials, including spares
  • Plan for different ability levels
  • Have extension activities ready
  • Consider how to make impact in first 3 minutes
  • Prepare a brief lesson plan to share if requested

Remember, we’re looking for someone who can not only teach effectively but also lead a department. Show your leadership potential through how you organize the room, delegate tasks, and maintain high expectations.

Would you like me to elaborate on any of these aspects or discuss specific concerns about any of the lesson ideas

…end of AI response

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