The Key to Classroom Management-Marzano

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 29, 2011

The Key to Classroom Management

            The beginning  of this article is filled with research found by other professionals which really set the tone for the rest of this article.  The authors of this article make the statement that they believe effective classroom management is one of the most important traits for any teacher and there is research for this theory. The Marzano's discuss the different tasks and how they should be accomplished effectively. Within this article they talk about the appropriate levels of dominance, appropriate levels of cooperation, and the awareness of high needs students. The authors also suggest that we as educators should build appropriate interest personally with each student. 

       I believe we have all seen the above traits in action.  When a teacher wants to be interested in you as more than just a player but as a person you want to get more involved. I have always had  teachers were willing to be friendly and I really believe that is why I still am in music. As a student, hearing a teacher greet you outside of school or just greet you at the door of the class always made me smile and feel like the teacher was making an effort to make their students feel more comfortable and relaxed when coming to class. It also was a good feeling when the teachers would share their goals for the class that day with the students so the students knew what they would be working for and hopefully be rewarded for their good behavior and what they accomplish. 

I really agree with a lot of the points that the author makes in this article. I believe it is very important for a teacher to establish clear expectations and the consequences (at all ages and maturity levels) that will come after if anyone misbehaves and likewise to provide rewards for positive behavior. This is important so the students know what will happen if they misbehave and that will hopefully keep them at their best at all times.  It truly is important to take a personal interest in the students and  to become aware of the students with high needs to keep the rehearsal and class time comfortable and happy and efficient.

Marzano, Jana S. & Robert J. (2003-2004). The key to classroom management. Education Leadership, 2-7.

Classroom Management For Ensembles- Bauer

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 29, 2011

Classroom Managment for Ensembles

               Throughout this article William Bauer talks about all of the important aspects to effectively managing a music ensemble in the classroom setting.  In this first section of his article he explains some of the minor differences between managing a normal class and managing an ensemble class.  Some of the differences that he points out are the physical setup of the room itself, the students being active participants, students are encouraged to make sounds (music), and there are a variety of ages, academic standings and musical abilities and a much larger class size.  Bauer also points out that we need to be proactive educators because that way we are more organized and more prepared for the short term and more likely for the long term. Bauer also in this article gives us a large list of techniques for dealing with common discipline problems. One famous example from this list is the infamous "Death Stare".

           I begin to look through this list and I notice some techniques that I really recognize. All of the directors I have use the "waiting for silence" technique. I have yet to see it not work. There has been a few select occasions where it takes longer but I have been fortunate to have been in ensembles where there has always been a set amount of student to teacher respect, so these instances are few. Another thing that I have learned through observation is to be "firm, fair, and consistent" at any age level. I have really watched this build consistent student and even staff relationships and it becomes obvious when a director steps away from this mindset. From my view I really find this disappointing because there is not way to treat everyone equal if you dont have this mindset.

  It really is very imperative to be aware that there is a variety of students of skill, age, and academic standing, so it is important to know what lessons should have more emphasis or what lessons you could teach less of to avoid student boredom or frustration. Also, I agree that a teacher should be very aware of their personal qualities when in the presence of students , how they look, talk, and act, it should all be very professional. I have seen situations where a student breaks a rule but a consequence doesn't follow and it doesn't teacher the student a lesson or correct their behavior. Being an educator, we have many responsibilities to keep the class and ensembles we are responsible for running smoothly and this article shows some ways to do that effectively.

Bauer, William I. (2001). Classroom management for ensembles. Music Educators Journal, 27-32

What We Learn Along the Way-Thompson

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 21, 2011

What We Learn Along the Way

 

                   "Experience is the very best teacher." This is the first statement Thompson makes in this article and it is a very fitting for the interviews in this article.  Thompson asked several veteran teachers what they wish they would have known earlier and how that information made them a better teacher today. Roy Holder, Anthony Gibson and Anthony Pursell all mention how the relationships you build with students, parents, administrators and even custodians can help you grow as an educator. Charles Menghini has four main concepts he likes to use, which are not rushing to any judgement, selecting appropriate music for students, knowing what you can and can not fix in rehearsal, and putting yourself in their shoes first. Joseph Manfredo believes in establishing a network and professional relationships with experienced and new music educators . Scott Casagrande is a believer in individual assessment because it helps a student grow as a performer and helps them live up to the standards you have for them.

 

              I have been very fortunate to have made relationships with multiple veteran teachers. They share their own tricks of the trade. The information that these teachers talk about is very similar to what I hear about all of the time. Their experience speaks for itself and it makes me realize how important it is that I really do pay attention to what they have to say. One lesson that I have heard over and over and over again is to treat your teaching peers with respect but more importantly the custodial and behind the scenes staff. Thankfully I am smart enough to know that these people and the connections will allow me to take my first steps into the teaching world, successfully.

           I really have to agree with what these teachers and Thompson have to say in this article. They really do make valid points that we should all be mindful of. Some of these are coming to me faster than others but i know that even my weaknesses could be come strengths. One of the tips i agree with the most, and have the hardest times with, is dealing with parents successfully.  I realize they are important because they are the funding, support, and partially the future of any program. These people remind me why I do what I do on a daily basis and they are helping me become a better person.

Thomson, John. (2010). What we learn along the way. The Instrumentalist, 64 (9), 26-30 & 54-55.

Getting the Most Out of Going to Convention-Barton

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 22, 2011

 Getting the Most Out of Going to Convention

          Barton takes the time in this article to go through how to get the most of your experience at convention.  Barton suggests making your schedule in advance. He writes that he personally leaves very little breathing space in his days at any conference  and that he has a back up plan in case he misses a session for any reason. He also suggests taking a fair amount of time to explore the exhibit hall but not spending the entire time there in place of too many concerts or sessions.  He also suggests that there is not a concert that has no value. He explains that it is important for educators to see how others not only interpret particular music, but what and how the students are doing what they do.One of the last points that Barton makes is making sure that you are having fun at convention. Convention is not only a place to learn but to have fun with peers and have an enjoyable time making connections with fellow music educators.

         I have always enjoyed going to these confrences but i have never taken the time to make out a schedule before hand. I will look at the full schedule and find sessions that look interesting but for the most part i have flown by the seat of my pants at convention. Luckily it worked out for me, I still learned a lot and did not spend to much time on the exhibit hall floor. But I really feel that following in Bartons' experienced footsteps might be a nice change of experience.  

    I feel that attending as a staff can be a very good thing. The phrase divide and conquer comes to mind because there is only so much one person can take in within such a short time.  I agree with the ideas that Barton introduces to maximize time. I think that they are valuable because you are paying to be there and with the amount that it costs to go to this convention every bit of information is worth something.

Barton, Gary. (2009). Getting the most out of going to convention. NBA Journal, 50 (2), 15-16.

The Buisness Side of OMEA- Adamson

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 22, 2011

The Business Side of OMEA

                Adamson begins this article with his Circle of fifths analogy which he relates to how the members and exhibitors are important in making this valued event and conference run. Out of all of the states, Adamson points out that Ohio has one of the largest conferences only to Texas has a larger one. The exhibitors are one of the most important parts of the confrenece. They are the ones that are selling their merchandise to help further our music programs and they also help pay (through their booth fees) to help make the convention run. Adamson also suggest that as a member that we should walk the exhibit hall throughout the convention. He also gives some hints about planning your time in the exhibit hall to look for products that will benefit your program.  

            After reading this article I realize how helpful this article would be if you were about to go to confrence for the first time. I remember when I went the first time and I just sat in one of the hallways overwhelmed by the amount there was to do. The exhibit hall varies in size from year to year but it is almost always large and there are just so many resources in that room alone. Then actually going to the sessions just becomes information overload. Its just a great way to continue to grow at any age.

          The OMEA convention is extremely important for future, current, and past music educators to attend because we never stop learning from college to retirement. The exhibitors are there to share new ideas and get teachers to improve their teaching habits. Every year hundreds potential and past companies are invited to share their products and services. It really would be a shame for teachers to not take advantage of the wonderful experiences to be had at convention. You can walk away from the exhibit feeling more positive, prepared, and excited to go teach students what you have learned. Its even possible to have made many new connections that could last a lifetime.

Adamson, David N. (2005). The business side of OMEA. TRIAD, 74 (2), 63-65

                                     

The Qualities that Make Some Directors Outstanding- Leonard

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 15, 2011

                                           The Qualities that Make Some Directors Outstanding


            This being the last article that I have read on the qualities of being a great teacher. Mark Leonard makes a lot of similar statements to the ones being made by other authors. Leonard mentions that you should set limits for your ensemble, get to know your students, deal with parents appropriately, delegate authority among parents or students, create a concrete and realistic plan, and be prepared for anything.  He also makes a few side points about being patient with students, admitting mistakes you make, and asking for advice from people who have been through the same sort of situation before. One of the most important quotes that hit home for me was "Students want to be a part of a dynamic program where something is always happening and getting better" (Kantorski 14). 

          Leonard mentions in his article that in his early years that he has issues not so much setting standards for himself but for others. I begin to think of my personality and I honestly feel that i would have the same issue. As teachers we have to be so aware of how students think and how they handle work. But it is not always completely clear.  Delegating authority i one of the other points that Leonard mentions that can definitely not be overlooked.  From the knowledge base and observations I have it is very clear as to why as a music teacher that we can not handle everything. So delegating even minute things such as taking attendance can relieve stress.

           I believe in what Leonard has to say in his article. Especially when he talks about being prepared and having a plan. Without that programs cease to run efficiently (or at all).  The situations that he includes in his articles make it evident that the experience does not lie and what he says is time tested.  As I begin to be honest with myself I realize that I have much to think about and improve on as I grow as an educator.  I hope that I will remember all of the points that Leonard makes in this article.

Some Charactaristics of Excellent Teachers-Kantorski

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 15, 2011

Some Characteristics of Excellent Teachers

              Vincent Kantorski begins this article by explaining that understanding a list of what makes a great teacher wont inherently make you a good teacher.  He makes the analogy that these lists are not like a recipe that will just instantly make you a great teacher. Teaching is actually to complex for there to be just one blanket statement about how any one teacher should be.  According to Kantorski, you should have a thorough knowledge of the material, be enthusiastic about teaching, maintain good eye contact, listen carefully to students, challenge your students to excel, use a sense of humor appropriately, be very well organized and ask questions that require a higher level of thinking. He closes his article with reminding the reader to remember that the student is the ultimate beneficiary of your teaching.

            I look at the list that Kantorski gives us and there is one attribute that really sticks out. Being enthusiastic about teaching. Its really sad to see teachers who through time lose their enthusiasm for teaching. I have noticed that once the passion has faded the students that go through their classes seem less interested in being there in general.  The other points that he is making such as good eye contact and being well organized are all just about being a good professional in general. I feel that one point that really cant be overlooked is humor. How can we expect our students to be interested if we are not interesting. I have sat in so many classes where the teacher is just very bland and as students we become very uninterested. 

              I would say that through this article I would agree with Kantorski. I agree with what he is saying because of the fact from my experience they are all true. All of the characteristics he mentioned were actually eye opening. I never have thought about them all consciously. With all of the points he was making I now think back to a few teachers I really did not get along with and i realize at least half of them were because of one of these charactaristics. I believe, having read this article, that i will be a better teacher because i will be constantly thinking of what i need to do to connect with my students.

Kantorski, Vincent J. Some characteristics of excellent teachers. TRIAD, 73 (1), 40-43

Preparing for Today and Tommorrow- Eisner

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 15, 2011

Preparing for Today and Tommorrow

                Through this article, Elliot Eisner explains that if we want to prepare for the future we need to learn teach our students to live in present.  He goes further with that statement by saying that we need to challenge students intellect and motivate them. The desired outcome that he wants is a genuine educational experience that will be meaningful to the student.  From this point he lays out what he wants schools to teach. He says schools should teach judgement, critical thinking, meaningful literacy, collaboration, and service and with each area he explains how and why it would be important to teach students these concepts. The primary goal that Eisner is trying to make is that we are trying to help our students do well outside of school and in their futures.

               As I read this article I look back into my schooling I really do agree with the points Eisner made in this article. While I was in high school true collaboration and critical thinking were at a minimum. My teachers claimed that they were trying to make these points happen but because we never had the chance to really leave the surface of any one subject I was hard pressed to believe them. One of the most important points that Eisner made in his curriculum was judgement. from the experience i have gained teaching at multiple schools i really do see why he makes this point. Young students seem to have the hardest time with this concept but i understand why this is the case. I feel as if in the school we should make sure that students understand what is really right and wrong and how to make good judgement calls for their life. 

              I would have to say from my background and personal experiences that i a really do agree with the points made in this article. I say this because I believe that as teachers we should not only teach our content area but how it may apply to life. I really feel that at the end of the day a student should leave knowing that they didn't just learn some facts on a page. They should go home with something that will be valuable down the road in the real world.

Eisner, Elliot W. (2004). Preparing for today and tomorrow. Educational Leadership, 61, (4) 6-10.