In Howard Gardner's book, "Five Minds for the Future", Gardner gives eight examples of ways that individuals find a way to synthesize. He notes that individuals seek synthesis. When lookng at his list, I began to reflect upon my classroom instruction and attempted to note those examples that I use from time to time, as well as the ones that I would like to find a way to incorporate in my daily instruction.
The ones that I can recall implementing to some degree in my classroom instruction are: taxonomies, rules and aphorisms, powerful metaphors, images and themes, embodiment without words and theories. The areas I need to focus on implementing to help students synthesize are narratives, complex concepts, and metatheory.
I would like to elaborate a little more on rules and aphorisms. My interpretation of this particular way of synthesizing is the use of short, catchy, applicable, and memorable phrases. The aphorisms (sayings) that I use alot , especially starting beginners off reading notes on the staff are, (FACE) fat animals can eat, for the spaces of the staff using the treble clef and (EGBDF) every good boy deserves fudge, for the lines of the staff using the treble clef.
Another applicable rule that quickly comes to mind in the language arts class is " i before e except after c". Now how long ago did we learn that one and look how long we can still use this rule, even today.
Do you have any additional rules or aphorisms that can be used in the instrumental music classroom, if so, please reply to this blog. I would love to hear your ideas.
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Having not been able to attend last month's class, and having not recived the Gardner book, I appreciate your summary of the reading, as well as the interpretation. One thing I always say is, "The more you practice, the luckier you get". Having not done the reading, I am not sure if this is what you're looking for. For a high school teacher teaching theory, I have always remembered for the order of modes...I Don't Particularly Like Modes Anyway Laura. For the order of major scales with sharps....Go Down And Eat Betty's Fried Chicken. The order of flats...bead gold colored fine.
ReplyDeleteI have most of my classes make up their own sentances for not reading--they are generally very creative! The students tend to remember them as they created the sayings. I give my won sentances for those that are not linguistically creative. I also do this with rhythms a lot! This year Mississippi Hot Dog has been Chocolate Covered Monkeys, Mississippi Mississippi is Alligator ate my tater, and Ice Cream and Candy is I smell like Chicken. I also find I am able to help reinforce some Langauge Arts skills by haveing them substitue different 2 syllable animal names where appropriate. EG Chocolate covered hippos.
ReplyDeleteOops! The first sentance should read I have most of my classes make up their own sentances for NOTE reading.
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