How much language gets generated through poster lessons?

Well done visual resouces such as posters prompt a stream of thinking, listening, discussion, writing, research and group exercises.  These exercises proceed from careful observation of visual detail to an analysis of how the elements of the poster text and image work together to convey meaning.

Teachers can prompt students to structure their responses within specific grammatical frameworks, followed by short reinforcing written tasks.  A basic aesthetic vocabulary can also be supplied.

How do students come to "own" their classrooms?

As the discussion and analytical activities progress, a recognition of the classroom as a design space and a heightened awareness of the environment emerges.  The student understands the invitation to co-create his learning environment and for many students dislocated from their home countries, the class becomes their home away from home.  All of this feeds into the exciting design process phase of suggested class activities.

Can group work be incorporated into poster-prompted lessons?

The design process in the real world is collaborative.  It involves art directors, copywriters, graphic designers, photographers and illustrators.  Collaborative activities are therefore generated and spelled out for each Posterlingua poster.  The discussion process moves from a discussion of the theme, content and execution of the existing poster to analysis of whether the theme could have been executed differently using the same text, different text and with different images, in a different medium or in a different style.  This leads to tremedous opportunities for meaningful group work as students take on the roles of copywriters, graphic designers, illustrators, photographers and class spokespeople.  

How do poster-prompted assignments create a visual and print rich environment?

The classroom as a visual and print rich space can be repeatedly enhanced by posting student design work weekly, monthly or seasonally.

Is there room for individual expression? 

Both collaborative and individual design activities are recommended on our teaching tips pages.

Is the design process time-consuming?

End result activities can be highly detailed artwork, or thumbnail sketches which can be a rich source of discussion.  Students may create finished posters in class, as homework, or for extra credit.

What other language can posters generate?  

Each poster bears a significant theme or motto that prompts an essay question that students will encounter in state exams such as the New York State Regents Exam or California's CAHSEE exam, as well as on other essay exams.