Final Presentation

http://youtu.be/y0y4WX3jzd4 

Final Presentation

I plan to involve Music in a Math Lesson as a Review of what they have learned throughout the year.

Should Teachers Be Paid Based on Student Performance

I don't think teachers should be paid based on how a student performs because some students learn at a different pace and are not always the best test takers. Some students really struggle with the ability to comprehend and retain knowledge needed for taking tests. Teachers can try to help students the best they can but overall it isn't the teachers fault if not all of his or her students tests are at a high percent. As an educator, students can also be lazy and decide to not turn in homework and not study before tests. Teachers can try to involve the parents into trying to help their child with their schoolwork but in the end, it is the students job to remember. This definitely shows teachers shouldn't be paid based on a student's performance.

An effective teacher is someone who is patient and understanding. Being patient is the number one quality in becoming a teacher. As an educator, you have to learn to be patient with differentiated learners and those who struggle in their schoolwork. You also have to be patient with how students behave sometimes. Understanding is very important too because it shows you really care about students when you understand their feelings. Teachers don't need to be their students friends, but students need to be comfortable to be able to come up to a teacher and tell them their concern. These two qualities are very important in any classroom and definitely make an effective teacher.

Teachers Unions and Tenure

Teachers Unions and Tenures is somewhat of a tough topic for teachers. It definitely is hard for me, because if I am the teacher that leaves a school based on this someday I would feel very lost in what my teaching future would hold. I think that each year it should be required for a teacher to change their teaching styles and try new lesson plans for each subject. I remember in school the grade above me would tell me a lot of the things they did in a classroom before I was even in that particular teachers class. If a teacher just keeps the same stuff, students could get bored with the same things. Part of being a teacher is being flexible with students, and if a teacher is not willing to learn new things than they should not be a teacher. I think that having reforms would be a very big advantage for the teachers to-be. New teachers are very beneficial because of all the new education techniques they learn and the added bonus of knowing all about the latest technology. Having new teachers come into a school is very exciting for students because it is great to see how each teacher is different. I have experienced old teachers showing how they are sometimes "sick" of their jobs and they often look forward to summer. Therefore, new teachers would show enthusiasm and excitement from the start. 

Extra-Curricular Activities

We learn to balance extra-curricular activities with our elementary expectations by showing students it is very important to be known as a student-athlete. If students realize their school expectations come before sports they will be more driven to get their homework done so they can stay involved. As an educator I would help students also realize the consequences of rushing schoolwork just to be "done" with it. Extra-curricular activities can keep students very busy so it is also important to inform parents at home to show that homework is the number one priority. Once students understand how to balance school and activities they become an all together more organized, balanced person.

Carl Orff and Music Philosophies

It is appropriate to introduce a recorder to students who are ages 9-11 because they have the ability to have great hand eye coordination and their very own hands can cover all of the holes to play the notes needed. At ages 5-9 students may be introduced to the xylophone if they are only expected to follow a two or three note pattern. It is appropriate for rhythm sticks and finger cymbals to be introduced at ages 5-7 because they use their fine motor skills to show they are ready for the instrument. A kazoo can also be introduced to students ages 4-7 because they have the ability to blow air into the kazoo to make a sound. At the younger ages they could do this, but not necessarily play a tune using a kazoo. 

The philosophies of Carl Orff would be great for the 21st century child because he incorporates movement, speech, and music. Carl believes hands on activities create a better leaning environment for students. His philosophy tells us that it is good for students to understand and play with music to their own ability. This is great for students to be able to work at their own ability and pace, not rushing any differentiated learners to be in a hurry. He definitely makes learning fun for students. 

Sequence in Learning and Rote Note

Sequential learning means information is processed in order or "step-by-step." Rather than looking at something as a whole, sequential learning provides that each step is understood before moving on to the next. Sequential learning is beneficial within the classroom because it eliminates confusion for students. With each step finished before moving onto the next, students learn the information more thoroughly and in order so they become more ready for the next step. 
Rote learning involves repetition. In music, it generally refers to the "I-sing-you-sing" teaching method where the teacher sings a phrase that is then repeated by the students. After singing a song with one phrase repeated, the students will move on to singing two phrases at a time. Finally, the entire song is sang and then repeated by the students. If any parts are not repeated accurately, then those parts should be practiced. After the song is sung correctly, the students can learn hand signals, motions, or choreography.
Steps of a Lesson Plan:

1. Anticipatory Set: getting the student's attention focused on the lesson

2. State the Objective: informing the students about what they are going to be learning

3. Teaching: Teacher Input: teacher gives the students information needed to accomplish the objectives of the lesson

4. Teaching: Modeling: teacher shows an example of what is acceptable as an end result

5. Checking for Understanding: teacher takes time to check the student's comprehension of the material

6. Guided Practice: teacher helps the students interact with the lesson material

7. Closure: wrap-up of the lesson, with a review and evaluation of what has been learned