In image flooding the teacher shows many examples of completed work by artists and former students. I do not think much of image flooding because it works by giving many answers to the problem before the students have even considered the problem or worked at their own solution finding skills. Image flooding results in skillfully produced imitations, but does not teach much about problem finding and problem solving. Teachers who depend on image flooding may pride themselves on achieving skillfully slick student artwork, but I wonder whether students are learning how their art can create visual meaning and feeling in response to their own lives. In the approach I am suggesting, we might begin the lesson with some self-reflection.
Students individually list things important to their identities.
Lists are not only words. Lists can be made with small sketches. Several groups made up of students with common interests might be formed in the class. The groups brainstorm and add things to theirs lists and sketches. In some schools they might be encouraged to articulate values and beliefs.