Examples of expressive mode activities might include asking students to find pictorial representations of difficult concepts such as freedom, responsibility, obligation, love, compassion, etc. The process of making these images and the ideas behind them, are almost more important than the images themselves. Some students may even have a difficult time expressing themselves verbally or in writing. Visual expression is a different, but equally valid channel. Good expressive mode activities require students to think metaphorically and to stand outside themselves for a moment.
Expression often blends into communication, but there are differences.
Successful expressive mode assignments may be perfect translations of inner experience that no one but the photographer understands. It is often more effective not to evaluate expressive mode assignments at all, at least not in the traditional sense of evaluating by grading. Instead, encourage expression by probing with questions. Show students that you value their expression by the sincere interest you show in their effort. Communicating When we are in the communicating mode, we use images to share information with others.