Entry 2) Contextual Factors

Entry 3) Teaching Unit

Entry 4) Learning Environment

Entry 5) Evaluations

Entry 6) Logs

Entry #4 : Analysis of Classroom Environment

Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport

I've come to the conclusion that, to develop a classroom environment which has respect and rapport, it starts from day one. From the moment you step on the podium as a new music educator, ultimately this will set the tone for you, and the quicker your program will develop. This can be done in a variety of ways, the most important being, let your students know what you expect, and what you seeing the future with the program. For example:

"It is my goal to help mold self-governing individuals who possess not only good musical attributes, but learn valuable life attributes as well. This can, and well be accomplished if you, as students, take ownership in your own actions."

This being one example of what I used in my percussion programs so my students knew what I wanted out of them. The overall tone, and non-verbal communication is also important,  giving the initial impression that you will be stern with them in order to establish is position of authority, is necessary. However, it is of the upmost importance that you stick to this clause, then the students will know and understand that you have their best interest at heart. Then as the students become use to your style of teaching, lessoning the tone would be ideal. By doing this, students know you are approachable, thus building those student/teacher relationships. Another vital aspects to creating a respectable classroom environment with good rapport, is to create rules the go along with your teaching philosophy and strategy. 

Establishing a Culture for Learning to Encourage Student Engagement and Responsibility

Establishing a culture for learning to encourage student engagement and responsibility, ties in nicely with the above comments. In order to establish a culture for learning, student engagement and responsibility'; your students must first buy into your program. From the first time you describe the goal you have for your program, and all you want to accomplish, this is the first step in doing this. Choosing appropriate literature, that is fun, but will also help your program and students grow, is the first step. The second being, thorough music analysis, score study and lesson plans. Going into a rehearsal with these three areas covered is important, but it is the manner of how you deliver the information to you students, which is also important. As a teacher we must always find new and exciting ways to help stimulate our student’s interests. Combine this with great classroom management and rapport; great things will begin to transpire. Lastly, students may not know the importance of the music they are learning, or what lesson they may learn by playing the music. It is our job to communicate this to them, and make these lesson transferable across the music paradigm, and into the world.

Managing Classroom Procedures to Promote Student Responsibility

Certain classroom procedures, such as handing out/in music, boarding a bus for a tour and transitioning between pieces, essentially are good ways to build those self-governing individuals I mentioned earlier. This can also be guided by keeping the same system.

Encouraging Appropriate Student Behavior

By encouraging appropriate student behavior, is along the lines of creating self-governing students. When you encourage students to build good behavior or good habits; such as practicing, studying, concert etiquette, lets them know that they are doing the right thing. In sense, we are stimulating intrinsic motivation within our students, which is conditioning them to be self-governing individuals, with appropriate behavior.

Organizing the Physical Environment

Keeping a clean classroom, which does not have random items lying about, is of the upmost importance. Once a child enters you classroom his/her safety is in your hands. By keeping a clean and well organized room I can eliminate any unnecessary liabilities, and conduct productive rehearsal, without worrying about clutter. Further, having a clean and well organized classroom can be a great way to teach your students discipline and build pride in the organization, by being able to clean up after themselves. When organizing my band room, it is important that I set it up in a manner that will work for students now, and any students in the future. For example, if one day I should happen to have a student in a wheel chair, my room needs to be accessible so that student can move around with ease.