Reflection on independent student management

I had a wonderful time with my Studio 2 kids this last quarter. We refocused the class to work on being more like a professional artist. Needing to show your work in a public setting, creating commissioned work for a teacher/client, challenging themselves, artist statements and reflections. It was 75% successful. Most kids were very open to challenge and motivated. We all set goals to get their work into shows and contests, but I had a couple that did not challenge themselves as much or as motivated. It was hard to grade things at times. I would have them do sets of groups of work. We would also have a tentative deadline for due dates. It worked well, but needs more structure. We did have a nice process of discuss work, create work, critique, artist statement and reflection. I did try to push them to the next level and make items that are solely theirs and not internet resources. This was very difficult for some. Lots to think about.