I can think of a time when I taught a music appreciation class to 7th and 8th graders. I asked them to complete some homework covering Baroque music, specifically learning about the works and life of J.S. Bach. There was a complete revolt by the students. They had no interest in the music or the class. The students refused to complete the assignments and failed the quiz (listening and writing) on purpose. Needless to say I was not pleased with this outcome. I was forced to revisit the chapter taking a new approach to try to gauge some interest in music of the time period.
Generating and testing hypotheses is something that I use regularly in my daily work. Every time I come across a new piece of software or teaching resource I generate a hypothesis on how I think it should work and then test out that theory. In addition, I generate a hypothesis about how the teachers will react and use the new tool. A few times I have been way off on my hypothesis but, luckily, my teachers are open to embracing most of the tools I give them.
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteI guess I kind of test hypotheses too, when trying new software and hardware, I just didn't think of it that way. I could use some more refined practice in making and testing my hypotheses however! If I could standardize my hypotheses, then I could make better decisions, in theory, no?! I do a lot of comparing similarities and differences when it comes to software and hardware. That tends to be more of a process for me. I think they both work well.
Thanks!
Mary
Mike,
ReplyDeleteWhat did you do to get the students who did not care to care? I find that in a couple of my classes that students are "dumped" in there. I use that term because these students normally have horrific GPAs and generally do no work! I love any suggestions that I can get to help these students learn.
How could I get my technology coordinator to be more open about allowing me to download software. For example, I have a computer monitoring software that I wanted which was free. He did not let me try it! I was furious with him. Maybe I just want a perspective from the other side. :)
Mike,
ReplyDeleteInstead of the traditional approach of just reading about composers and listening to music, I showed the students examples where the music being studied was being used in their daily lives. I showed them cartoons and television shows and played some rock and rap music that used the same elements. That was more interesting to them.
Not sure how you can get your tech coordinator to be more open. I am a very open person when it comes to teachers and staff. I allow and encourage them to experiment with software and services, as long as they tell me about it so I know what they are doing. I know many people who are just the opposite and like to control all aspects of the technology. Being a mostly Mac school I do not have a problem with them downloading freeware because I know it will not cause a problem with the computers. If I were in a Windows environment I would be more cautious.
I find it interesting that your failed homework example, turned into using similarities and differences to solve the problem. Using examples for areas of student interest, cartoons, current music was a great idea. I know teachers in my building teaching some of the classes students don't take seriously really struggle with the same issues and are constantly looking to find ways to engage the students.
ReplyDelete