Presentation: 20th January 2021

TASK SET: “For this session you’ll give a short presentation to introduce yourself and share something you’ve found—an article, image, or resource—about pedagogy (i.e. teaching methods and practices).”

ARTICLE CHOSEN: Spark: UAL Creative Teaching and Learning Journal, On the spectrum within art and design academic practice, Luca M. Damiani, Media Artist and Associate Lecturer, London College of Communication.

I chose to read this article around the relationship between Art & Design and neurodiversity. I have come to realise that my focus when reacting to this presentation is probably not as focused on pedagogy as it should be, but more of a reaction to the text. It is however a good reminder of something we should keep in mind when working as teachers as well as in live generally.

In the first half of the text, the author describes his own experience of living with Asbergers. It is in fact a positive encounter of someone stating that in their experience, eduction within Art & Design encourages the skills and abilities of neurodivergent individuals.

The second half shows and explains arts work created by the author which communicates his experiences. The example shown in my slides is titled ‘My Eye Contact Clock Reminder’. The author – Luca M. Damiani – avoids eye contact to enhance concentration during conversations. This is often misread by those who don’t know him and taken as him not focusing on the conversation (when in fact he’s doing he opposite). Luca is aware of this and has to remember to force himself to meet eye contact now and then during face to face meetings. This means that he is lowering his own ability to concentrate to accommodate for others – help them feel comfortable.

In summary, the text highlights how people function in different ways, because the way neurons in the brain are connected affects how we think. We should be aware that a person different from what is deemed ‘normal’ may often feel they have to lessen their own abilities in order to make others feel more comfortable.