workshop reflection - dr. sandy staufferI found the workshop with Dr. Sandy Stauffer to be very engaging and informative. In general, I liked how she allowed us to experience the activities the children would normally experience, just so we could get a better understanding on how/what to teach. For example, the “Kangaroos” exercise we did gave me a lot of insight on how simple guidance can allow your students to create something on a more complicated level. I liked how Dr. Stauffer incorporated musical games from several different countries such as the “Ye toop doram” game from Afghanistan and the “Throw, Catch” game from South Africa. It allows the students to experience many different cultures in a fun interactive way. It was surprising how effective the visual aid was in the “Kangaroos” exercise. Without seeing the dots and lines on the projector would have made the exercise chaotic and ineffective. I enjoy how a simple game like this one can teach a young musician about repeat signs, rhythms, and much more. I liked the “On the Trail” game mostly because it allows the students to create their own rhythms, yet still gives them a lot of guidance.
I wish she could have elaborated more on the “Peace Round” piece we sang, and how it is a learning tool for kids. However, I do like how it taught us to sing with harmonies in a simple and easily understandable way, something I could see being very helpful for younger children. I have a few questions for the author. I would like to know her thoughts on teaching older musicians such as high schoolers. I would imagine there would be a much more different approach. Also, I would like to know her thoughts on how to apply these games and exercises in private lesson settings, as that is what my career goal is. |
Leslie dawe reflection
I found the discussion we had with Leslie Dawe to be very interesting and informative when it comes to teaching younger children. She had many things to say about the ways she tries to engage the kids, as well as her past experiences with teaching. I found it interesting when she said that she still gets a bit overwhelmed, and still gets nervous using her newer teaching method. I used to just assume that teachers were always confident in being teachers, but Leslie has allowed us to see that teachers sometimes feel vulnerable as well. It was surprising when she told the class that in her first year she had to teach at two different schools at the same time. That must have been very difficult when it comes to commuting, but also when it comes to getting to know your students on a personal level. I thought she could have elaborated more on how she managed this, but given her restricted time slot to talk with us, I completely understand. I very much liked how she talked about why she believes steering away from the ‘elements’ is a more engaging way to teach children, which also inspires them to continue with music. I would like to thank Leslie for taking the time to talk with us (given her very tight schedule), and for inspiring us as future music educators to continue to develop a new curriculum, instead of using the somewhat outdated traditional teaching style.
Dr. Bradley reflection |
I found our experience with Dr. Bradley to be very interesting and engaging. I liked the interactive songs she did with us in order to further engage us in watch she was saying. She is a very accepting and open-minded music educator, something all music educators should strive to be. It was very interesting when she was talking about the multicultural policies in Canada, and how they didn't start until the 1970's. That seems a bit ridiculous when you think about, since Canada prides itself on being culturally accepting and open-minded. I liked her view on not making assumptions about people based on their appearance, something I agree with and aim to do every day. I also agree that in order to immerse our future students in other cultures, we need to do our own research before jumping to conclusions or presenting them with a piece we have little knowledge on. I found it surprising when Dr. Bradley mentioned the colonization still present in our modern society, such as with the first nations. I wish she would have elaborated more on the specific points she made in her article.
Nevertheless, I would like to thank Dr. Bradley for her visit. It gave me a lot of insight into what I could do as a future music educator, and how I can further the multiculturalism in our music programs.
Nevertheless, I would like to thank Dr. Bradley for her visit. It gave me a lot of insight into what I could do as a future music educator, and how I can further the multiculturalism in our music programs.