It took time and experimentation for people to learn how to use this new medium to express the kinds of things that art has traditionally addressed. Just as we know some students receive information more effectively by seeing visual images, some students express feelings more effectively through making visual images. 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.