Ms. Chan

Indigenizing Place: Richmond, B.C.

This reflection was prompted by Marjean Brown, who is my current instructor for the Aboriginal Education in Canada course this summer term. She prompted us to choose a place we love or have an interest in, and research the Indigenous historic occupations and contemporary presences on that land. Once I saw this assignment, I knewContinue reading “Indigenizing Place: Richmond, B.C.”

Becoming an Art Educator

Amongst the many artworks that have struck feelings within me, Wen-Li Chen’s To My Unborn Child (2018) has had a lasting effect. A part of the work consists of a book that Wen-Li printed which includes passages about her family history that she can share with her child, so they know their heritage. My ownContinue reading “Becoming an Art Educator”

Eyes, Blood, and Ears

Always being watched. By students and their parents, colleagues and administrators, and your own family. There is something expectant in their eyes, a creeping fear within you at not being able to meet them. Those eyes can make you feel insecure and controlled, but…But also seen and acknowledged. The first day of teaching: students walkContinue reading “Eyes, Blood, and Ears”

The Myths of Teaching

“Everything depends upon the teacher.” “The teacher is an expert.” “Teachers are self-made.” These are myths that Deborah Britzman talks about in her book Practice Makes Practice – A Critical Study of Learning to Teach (2003, p. 223). She looks at how these cultural myths form the idea of a teacher and teaching, either summoningContinue reading “The Myths of Teaching”

Tension in Teaching

When I think of the word ‘tension’, I immediately think of stress and doubt. I recall moments in the classroom, like awkward silences, not being able to answer questions, and fumbling through my words. So generally, the connotation of the word is of a negative nature. In Ted Aoki’s book, Curriculum in a New Key:Continue reading “Tension in Teaching”

Myanmar (Burma)

I am a second generation Canadian whose family comes from Myanmar. While my brother was born there, I was born in Canada. Growing up, Burmese was my first language until I entered the school system. Even though English quickly became my main language, my father was very engaged in the Burmese community and so exposedContinue reading “Myanmar (Burma)”

Florence Cing-Gaai Yee

Florence Yee is an artist whose Cantonese-Canadian background has a strong influence upon their work. As a 2.5 generation Canadian, they explore aspects of cultural difference, assimilation, and intergenerational relationships. I find Florence an inspiration because of their personal approach to their art practice. As a second generation Canadian myself, I find their work relatableContinue reading “Florence Cing-Gaai Yee”

Starting Point

How can we reframe failure as generative in the art classroom? Looking at failure in art education is something I have been doing for a few months now. In the Education program at UBC, students develop inquiry questions that they study throughout their coursework and practicum. In the beginning, my inquiry questions was “What isContinue reading “Starting Point”

Artist Feature: Gu Xiong

Before spring break, I introduced to you all an artist named Gu Xiong (watch the video for a refresher – it’s a really awesome video by CBC Arts). We went over his book The Yellow Pear and discussed the journey of Gu’s life and his art practice. At the time, we discussed works that he’dContinue reading “Artist Feature: Gu Xiong”

From Seed to Spoon

Growing a plant can be a daunting task. Before I chose sage, I was at the garden centre, looking at the huge selection and unsure of where to start. Choosing a plant took me two days of research until I decided on sage. I watched many videos and read articles on growing instructions, taking notesContinue reading “From Seed to Spoon”