Lesson Plan

• Describe the Reflect‑Refine‑Adapt cycle and its role in art projects.
• Analyse personal work using visual research and self‑evaluation criteria.
• Apply observation, idea generation, and technical execution techniques to develop a piece.
• Plan and manage time effectively across research, experimentation, and production phases.
• Present a documented portfolio with clear labeling and reflective commentary.

• A3 sketchbooks or drawing paper
• Pencils, charcoal, erasers
• Watercolour, acrylic, collage materials (or other media)
• Digital camera or tablet for visual research
• Projector or screen for displaying examples
• Reflective journals or worksheets
• Timer
• Peer‑feedback forms

Begin with a quick visual of a finished artwork that clearly shows stages of change. Ask students how reflection helped shape the final piece, linking to their prior experience of sketching and critiquing. Explain that today they will practice the Reflect‑Refine‑Adapt cycle and that success will be measured by clear journal entries, purposeful revisions, and a well‑organised portfolio page.

1. Do‑now (5'): Review the brief, set a personal goal, and note one observation from a previous piece (Reflect).
2. Observation Walk (15'): Sketch a chosen environment, then discuss how observation informs composition.
3. Idea Sprint (10'): Produce 20 thumbnail sketches on the theme; select three to develop further (Refine).
4. Technique Lab (15'): Experiment with a less‑familiar material, record texture and mood effects.
5. Peer Review Session (10'): Present a work‑in‑progress, record two pieces of feedback, and set refinement targets.
6. Reflective Journal Entry (5'): Answer “What worked? What didn’t? How will I adapt my next steps?” (Adapt).
7. Whole‑class Debrief (5'): Summarise the cycle, link activities to the assessment checklist, and outline next steps.

Recap the three stages of the cycle, highlighting how each activity contributed to refinement. Students complete an exit ticket by writing one concrete action they will take in their next studio session. For homework, they extend one of today’s thumbnails into a detailed study, documenting any new adaptations in their journal.