Saturday, February 12, 2011

How much education do you need?

My memory was pleasantly jarred reading “What does it mean to be educated?” The lesson was written and shared by Dkos diarist teacherken. I often read teacherken and will expose a lesson plan I used as a General Music Teacher on the first day of class.

Before I start my new class, a 'prelude' if you will, I want to immediately address the situation, “Awe shit, why do I have to take a Music Class?!”

After having students seated according to a randomly prepared seating chart they have to read that is located at the door and after checking the seating chart, I say...

-“When the late bell rings, you are to be in your assigned seat, ready for learning.”

I write on the board “What did your grandparents have to know to survive?” (this was Middle School in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and early 90‘s)

I would have a student come up and record responses on the board.

After the conversation had become exhausted, on another section of the board I write, “What did your parents need to know to survive?” and the process goes on until I write, “What do you need to know to survive?”

After much molding and maneuvering my lesson plan to the class, we get into the discussion, “What do you need to know to survive and be considered intelligent in today’s world?” and from there, “How is music important in your life?” to “Name some of your experiences with music.” etc.,

My second lesson, “Forms of music.” At this time, most of the students have resigned themselves they will be taking a Music Class (Sigh) from Mr. BB for the next 9 weeks, (In the 80’s it became 6 weeks) with many already looking forward to the unit on writing a poem, putting it into an ABA song form and playing the guitar using chords 1,1V, 5 and 5 seventh, and "Yes, you will have to sing your song, too." Bell rings.

As always,
BB

What does it mean to be educated?
by teacherken
Excerpt:
Yesterday, in my 3 classes of Advanced Placement Government students, I asked them that question. And so began one of the more interesting class periods they, or I, have experienced.
Read more at:
http://www.dailykosbeta.com/story/2011/02/12/894594/-What-does-it-mean-to-be-educated

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