ArtsAPS Video

This is a 20 minute video of classroom instruction at one of my schools. I am posting this today and will follow up with a written critical reflection and the self-assessment of the APS 26 best practices. The lesson was on intonation and tuning. Students seemed to enjoy the lesson and it was nice to be able to devote an entire period to one particular issue. This is also the subject of my action research project. One thing I've already learned is that it takes time to work on a skill in order to improve it. I often feel rushed throughout the school year to get to point a, b, or c, when the kids aren't fully prepared. Next year, I will definitely do things much differently. Pacing is going to be very important.

Another thing this artsAPS course has helped me realize is that there are many different ways we can get students to synthesize the information that we are trying to teach them. The many methods listed in Gardner's book gives me several options for reaching all students, regardless of what their learning style may be. One item in particular that I have tried to incorporate is the use of rules and aphorisms. I am making an assertive effort to incorporate these on a daily basis. This will enable all students to tap into their own minds rather than always asking the teacher about a specific phrase or rule. This will allow them to synthesize the concept in their own minds.