No matter what kind of music is being taught; elementary, secondary vocal, instrumental classical, popular private studio, classroom academic, performance our goal is the same: to take the student from 'where they are' and to move them forward to 'where we want them to be.' Sounds very simple. No problem. We've all done it. We've all done it without even thinking. | Example: Teacher tells student to play a scale. Student plays a wrong note. Teacher corrects the wrong note, tells student to play it again. Student plays scale correctly. Voile!! Point A to Point B |
But what about larger goals? What about huge goals? How can we plan the most productive route from Point A to Point B in accomplishing larger goals for students? Remember from the first week to question all assumptions Challenge all aspects of music education.
Consider each assumption and define how it leads to enriching the lives of all students. Judith Jellison gave a speech entitled "It's About Time" in which she spoke on behalf of all music educators who struggle with implementing their goals for their students with a limited amount of face-to-face time. The speech was then printed in the Journal of Research in Music Education. Please read the article linked below: "It's About Time" Assessment
Why assess? 1. for accountability (to motivate behavior) |
Example: Tiffany does not like to study history, but Tiffany is trying to keep her grades up so she can continue to be a cheerleader. So, Tiffany studies for her history exam. If there was no assessment of Tiffany's knowledge of history, she might not study. |
Example: The A&M system requires that all of its employees be aware of current laws and policies regarding privacy, sexual harassment, disabilities, safety, and other topics. To make sure that the employees learn the material, they are tested. The material is presented in a friendly online format, but the tests given must be passed with 100%. The institutions are accountable to the state by requiring and recording the completion of the tests. The institutions make their employees accountable by requiring them to take the tests. | |
Why assess? 2. to gain information (feedback) |