I'm going to take a stab at this, though I'm sure someone will be much more
eloquent... I am a high school teacher, I am not a great teacher, but I
enjoy the kids (most of the time!) and when I am blessed to actually be
teaching in my beloved subject area, I think I am a good teacher. (Still
too new at it to be great.)
Our band teacher is great. I had some great teachers in high school. I had
some great teachers teaching me how to teach. I've watched and contemplated
and asked. Here's what I've gleened.
* great teachers listen to their students, and 'hear between the lines' eg.
"I hate this" often means "I can't do this, and I don't know why"
* great teachers find the spark that connects with their students, and build
on it. eg- What is the fav. type of music? Why are they learning the harp?
What is their fav. song they could figure out by ear, to be their first
arrangement?
* great teachers structure opportunities for discovery- the "AH!!" moments...
eg. "listen to how X does it on this c.d." or "have you heard it this way"
* great teachers love what they do (both the instrument AND sharing it!)
* great teachers meet the students where they're at, and provide stretching
growth, not frustrating growth "Let's save that song for later" or "This
will be a very difficult arrangement for you, how about we start with just
these first 4 lines, and work through them together?"
* great teachers help students set measurable, achievable goals eg. "play
this song's treble by next week, together with bass in two weeks."
* great teachers encourage with genuine and specific praise when goals are
achieved. eg. "Wow! You have really improved the rhythm of that song" or
"You worked really hard to get that song under your belt!"
* great teachers are not wedded to their own theories, but can explain
several theories, and allow students to find what works best for them
There are probably more, but that's a start! Now I'm feeling inspired to
get back to school next week...
Shawn
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sbird@dpts.schdist57.bc.ca
sic transi gloria mundi...
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