Engaging Students in Using the Language of Aesthetics

One way I think that we can engage students to use the language of aesthetics more often is by having more open discussions about each others artwork.  One way I believe that we can do this is by talking about our process on our works throughout the course of the unit.  I would have students discuss their initial ideations and discuss the reasons why they chose to do what they did, what mediums they think they will use, etc.  When they finalize the concept they want to carry out, they will have another open discussion about their work half-way through the process and receive critical feedback from their peers and the teacher.  With that new knowledge, they can improve or refine what they are working on.  At the end of the unit, we would have a class critique and discuss topics such as use of materials, effectiveness of the piece, successes and failures, etc.  I believe that incorporating aesthetics into the art classroom is essential in order to receive a well-balanced education on the world of art and for students to engage with both their peers' artwork and their own.