Introduction
I have always taken pride in the success of others. Imagine the feeling of taking the first lick of ice cream, getting an A on a test, or hugging someone you love. These are the same feelings that I experience when I succeed at helping a person, which is why I am positive that I have an authentic desire to do so. Even my passion for music is secondary to my passion for those around me to grow, both in and outside of the classroom. The absolute most important aspect of my job as the music teacher at an elementary school is that I impact every single student on the roster, establishing a rapport with Kindergarteners and maintaining a growing relationship until they graduate the 5th grade. As an educator, I declare to promote a growth mindset to students and encourage them to face challenges with the intent to evolve. Possessing this type of mindset is key in finding true passion and is especially beneficial for young students to develop early. I will abide by my Growth Mindset Plan whenever presented with adversity. I believe in continuously finding ways to be innovative in the field of education and using technology as a stimulus for musical interest. Utilizing technological advances allows educators to cultivate exclusive learning opportunities. My current innovation plan is one example that incorporates technology, but also one that promotes choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning (COVA). Giving these freedoms to learners peaks their interest, which produces results. I will consistently encourage the COVA approach to learning as it creates a collaborative, reflective, and valuable learning environment. Lastly, I believe in fairness. As a musician, I aim to distribute the appreciation of music evenly across the student body. I intend for every student to have the necessary preparation, so by the time we part they actually have a choice of continuing the pursuit of music.
Overcoming Digital Challenges
Technical Difficulties
Have you ever been in a meeting and the presenter could not get the video on their slide show to play? Some will spend a few minutes solving the problem, while others will give a briefing and move on. Either way, their audience will lose time or information. Occasionally we experience technical difficulties when utilizing technology and I understand the effect this can have in a classroom. Not only must we understand that there are ways around technical difficulties, but also that the reward is so much bigger than the risk of trying! Successful incorporation of technology has proven to result in efficiency. One way to avoid technical difficulties for students at home is to make lessons available via phones and tablet (as opposed to requiring computer software). Other ways to counter technical difficulties are constant testing and pre-troubleshooting common matters. This brings me to the next issue.
The Learning Curve
Educators need not to fear the learning curve when it comes to tools that will help their students learn better. I believe teachers should be transparent with their students about the learning curve they are on. Our students are inspired when they know that we also face failures and work though them. Take time to learn your computer. Create demo lessons with different applications, watch tutorial videos, and practice with new technology. Instead of shying away from challenges, we should use that opportunity to model the COVA approach to learning.
Student transition
Students are transitioning to a learning process which requires self-guided practice. This is indeed a process, and I will do everything I can to support students in this transition. They need us to lead by example and model a growth mindset at all times, which means holding them accountable. Students also need guidance from us to find their voice and potential. With constant practice and modeling, students will eventually develop time management and maximize their learning opportunities.
Conclusion: Building Upon What's Right In Music
I have experienced that music educators tend to keep things traditional, because it has been working. I challenge my colleagues to dare if there are ways to be more innovative. Band/Choir programs have always done a terrific job at recruiting. It is one of the hardest, yet most important aspects to the continuance of the programs. Directors should surely take advantage of media and digital platforms for recruiting. I believe we can grow past recruiting on a local neighborhood level and reach a much larger body of students. Also, there is so much advanced equipment such as the Yamaha Harmony Director that allows students to make fast connections that would normally require years of musical ear training. Its self-guiding features also allows students to tune faster and more intimately, which results in a better sounding ensemble with less time taken away from rehearsal. This is the perfect example of how technology helps the learner and the educator be more efficient.
The common setback is that music budgets do not usually allow for a purchase of such magnitude. Sadly, many music programs do not have budgets at all. I understand, but once again this provides an opportunity for music educators to promote a growth mindset by incorporating fundraising and writing grant requests. In conclusion, directors should at least take advantage of free digital advances. There are a lot of music programs that don’t even have a social media account up until this day! Simply by your program having an Instagram or Twitter account you will be able to promote events and showcase performances to the world!
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