Chapter 8 Questions

How can we use positive transfers in band or orchestra? (Application)

What is metacognition? How does it help teachers evaluate their students and how they teach them?

Construcivism

"Service learning is an activity that promotes both learning and development while working for the betterment of others and the community" (Ormrod 232). As a musician for I know how important it is to be seen in the community. Through my sorority we have had projects where we have music workshops with girl scouts where we help them earn a badge by teaching them music rhythms and how to make rain sticks. We also have a method book drives where we have collected method books from UT students to donate to schools with music students who cannot afford them. 

In the saxophone studio we have had several concerts at retirement homes. It is a fun and easy way to give back to the community and I plan to have my future students to do the same thing.I plan to have chamber ensembles perform at retirement and nursing homes. In my experience these performances bring so much joy to the people living at these homes. This also allows more time for chamber ensembles to work together so that they will be able to improve on their musicality; providing more learning experiences for students.

Behaviorism and Social Cognitive theory

Behaviorism

"Theoretical perspective in which learning and behavior are described and explained in terms of stimulus-response relationships" (Ormond p.285) Students will respond with behavior concepts when they comprehend the lessons.
As a teacher my lessons have to be designed so that every student will be able to understand. I also have to check regularly that students are comprehending new material. Especially in music when a student does not understand a new concept it is very to move on. When teaching I will walk around the classroom to make sure each student is playing confidently and understands concepts.

 

 Social Cognitive Theory

Social cognitive theory believe that people learn by observing others. "People and their environments mutually influence each other" (Ormond p. 324) This is used all the time when teaching music. One of the ways to teach a new musical concept is to model it for students. Instead of explaining the new concept to a student if you model it on your instrument the student will mostly likely understand it. Modeling in the music classroom is very important. Also having students work in chamber ensemble. Students will be able to observe others and realize how they play because of the blend and balance of the group.

Classroom Environment and CSEL

A comfortable, but productive classroom is important for students and teachers. Classrooms should be welcoming to students, but not overly comfortable. Anderman (2002) expresses, "Creating a sense of community engenders feelings of belongingness. Students see themselves as important and valued members of the classroom" (cited in Ormrod, 2011, p. 463). I think this is a great point. Students will be more eager to participate in class discussions in a classroom that they feel they are valued members of.

Ormrod (2011) talks about establishing a goal-oriented, businesslike, yet nonthreatening atmosphere. Students should be held accountable for achieving instructional objectives but without placing them under continual surveillance. Students should feel comfortable in the classroom, but it should be conducive to learning. Students shouldn't feel so comfortable that they think the classroom is more of a "home" setting rather than a place for learning.

High School Case Study

You have started to dread your fifth period music class.  It is made up entirely of seniors who are counting the days until graduation and seem to care very little about learning.  Most of the students are obviously members of one clique or another.  Whenever they think your back is turned, they start passing notes and text messaging.  Worse, three boys have started disrupting those engaged in learning.  No matter what you say, they laugh at the students who sing tenor and soprano, especially when they are practicing their parts.  Yesterday, Tony, Jeff, and Morris started roughhousing then all three of them refused to sit down and follow the class procedures that the classroom community agreed upon at the beginning of the year. Although you have been using a set approach to handling infractions of rules, you decide it is time to change these procedures.

First I would start off by rearranging the classroom to break up the cliques. I would announce and post new rules and procedures. Students would be informed that they will not pass the class or be able to participate in the end of the year activities such as parties or trips.
If I saw a phone out in class, the phone would be taken from the student and not returned until the end of the period. If notes were passed I would collect them and read them out loud to the class- depending on their content. The class would no longer include any down time, the entire period would be filled work and rehearsals. I would also split Tony, Jeff, and Morris up. I would give them a warning about their behavior and let them know if it happened again they would be receiving a referral. Another offense would result in a parent conference and possibly a loss of end of the year activities.

References

Ormrod, J.E. (2011). Educational Psychology: Developing Learners. Boston, MA: Pearson.