Character Education
Emotions, ethics, and morality play a crucial role in making final decisions between good and bad choices; therefore, children must be guided in their social and emotional development as they mature. Numerous character education programs have been studied for effectiveness and usefulness; reports suggest significant correlations between “character education instruction and a decline in discipline problems as well as improvements in academic performance” (Richardson, 2009). The results of the study indicated that the students did grow in the skill areas, which reinforces the importance of teaching social skills to students with disabilities.
Over the years, student and teacher populations have become more diverse both culturally and socio-economically. The challenge of teachers and schools is creating pedagogy that is sensitive to students' multiple worlds in order to support their success socially and academically. While exams and academics matter, it is much more vital that our students develop strong ethical, moral, and social skills in order to problem solve in the workplace and discuss and understand the varying social norms and values of our communities. Students benefit greatly when they are supported by caring classroom and school environment (Tirri, 2008).
Instructional Decision
I believe that the most important job as an educator is to provide a welcoming environment for student development and expression that encompasses a diverse range of teaching strategies, and to accommodate the varying backgrounds of my students (AG 1.4). Though classroom management and academic success is important, I should strive to facilitate and guide my students' success through a challenging yet accessible curriculum, not dictate it through rigorous testing and a black and white industrialist ideals of yesteryear. The modern workforce demands leaders, team-players, critical thinkers, and quick-witted and creative problem solvers (AG 2.6). That said, music is the perfect medium in which to develop these skills. Providing leadership positions within a marching band, such as drum major or section leader positions, helps students understand how to handle themselves in a responsible and professional manner (AG 2.9). Performing a varied repertoire and singing alone and with others helps students to understand the importance of teamwork to achieve their goals. Moreover, improvising melodies and accompaniments helps students to think on their feet and cultivate creative thinking (AG 5.1).
Over the years, student and teacher populations have become more diverse both culturally and socio-economically. The challenge of teachers and schools is creating pedagogy that is sensitive to students' multiple worlds in order to support their success socially and academically. While exams and academics matter, it is much more vital that our students develop strong ethical, moral, and social skills in order to problem solve in the workplace and discuss and understand the varying social norms and values of our communities. Students benefit greatly when they are supported by caring classroom and school environment (Tirri, 2008).
Instructional Decision
I believe that the most important job as an educator is to provide a welcoming environment for student development and expression that encompasses a diverse range of teaching strategies, and to accommodate the varying backgrounds of my students (AG 1.4). Though classroom management and academic success is important, I should strive to facilitate and guide my students' success through a challenging yet accessible curriculum, not dictate it through rigorous testing and a black and white industrialist ideals of yesteryear. The modern workforce demands leaders, team-players, critical thinkers, and quick-witted and creative problem solvers (AG 2.6). That said, music is the perfect medium in which to develop these skills. Providing leadership positions within a marching band, such as drum major or section leader positions, helps students understand how to handle themselves in a responsible and professional manner (AG 2.9). Performing a varied repertoire and singing alone and with others helps students to understand the importance of teamwork to achieve their goals. Moreover, improvising melodies and accompaniments helps students to think on their feet and cultivate creative thinking (AG 5.1).
