​InTASC Standard #7 discusses the importance of planning for instruction. In the role of a music educator, it is essential to create comprehensive lesson plans and establish clear learning objectives for each student. These objectives are determined by assessing each student’s starting point at the beginning of the academic year. It is then the teacher’s responsibility to design and deliver more challenging content that guides students towards achieving these learning objects, which should align with the curriculum and academic standards. Music teachers should always strive to incorporate interdisciplinary connections and integrate other subjects with music. This will create a well-rounded and engaging class. Effective preparation is important, as educators need to possess an in-depth understanding of the topics and behavioral objectives they are teaching. Educators should not just rehearse the music, but rather teach concepts through the music. While creating a lesson plan is important, the ability to adapt and modify a lesson plan is an even more crucial skill, as students may grasp the concepts differently than anticipated. Being flexible with the lesson plan is vital for maintaining a positive learning environment that is student centered. The pedagogical approach of the teacher should also be flexible to cater to diverse learning styles. It is the job of the educator to inspire every student to meet their learning goals and appreciate the broader significance of music in their lives.

During my time as a Ball State student, I gained valuable experience in creating lesson plans that prioritize musical concepts and behavioral objectives. This has provided me with a strong foundation in understanding the importance of aligning instruction with learning goals. I have had the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice in various teaching settings, such as elementary education, secondary education, and even string orchestra and band classes. This practice has allowed me to develop flexibility and adaptability in implementing my lesson plans. I also have experience with this as a piano teacher. I constantly have to adjust my approach based on the unique needs and circumstances of each student. I make efforts to incorporate interdisciplinary elements into my teaching, as I recognize the benefits of a more diverse and unified approach to content. While I have a decent level of experience in this area, I know that there is always room for improvement, and I am committed to further developing my skills in planning instruction that truly supports all students in meeting their learning goals, both individually, and as a class.

To progress towards mastering InTASC Standard #7, I recognize that there is always room to grow. I can practice writing lesson plans. I recognize the value of peer collaboration and constructive feedback. I intend to share and discuss my lesson plans with other teachers and peers, seeking their input and suggestions to refine my approach. Collaborative learning will help me gain diverse perspectives and insights into how to better align my teaching methods with the diverse needs of all of my students. I can also actively seek out professional development opportunities and workshops that specifically focus on these aspects, such as flexibility and adaptability. This can help equip me with the expertise needed to cater to individual student needs effectively. Overall, I am committed to always prioritizing the students' needs in my teaching practices. During my practicum class now, and when I student teach next semester, I aim to consistently emphasize student-centered learning and put my students at the forefront of my educational approach. I plan to create content that is diverse, well-rounded, and immersive for students, ensuring a more engaging and enriching learning experience. I will stay in tune with current events and teachers of other subjects to ensure that my students can connect music to all areas of life.

ARTIFACTS

Throughout my time at Ball State, I have created many lesson plans for different classes. Attached below are 3 examples of lesson plans. The first lesson plan is from my Adolescents and Secondary Education class. This lesson was co-taught and created with a classmate. The concept was Monophonic Vs. Polyphonic. To ensure the success of the peer teaching, we prepared a detailed lesson plan that began with a discussion, then included teaching of the content with musical examples, an improvisational activity. The lesson concluded with an exit ticket to assess student understanding. The second lesson plan was from my String Methods class written for a peer teaching I had to teach.  In this course it was greatly emphasized to plan a warm-up, to plan and include times for the teacher to model, and to use figurative language. In the lesson plan attached below, I layed out the entire 20 minute lesson plan and made sure to include as much detail as possible. I wrote in areas where I could use figurative language and specifically made sure there were times in the lesson where I could model for the class. The third lesson plan is from my Band Methods course. This specific lesson plan, titled “When You Wish Upon A Star,” was taught at Burris Laboratory School. In creating this lesson plan, I established distinct learning goals for my students, which I focused on during my lesson. This approach gave me a sense of direction and purpose and ensured that both my students and I were aligned regarding our objectives and accomplishments. Creating this lesson plan also provided me with a basis for assessment and evaluation. I used the objectives I had set out in the lesson plan to evaluate how well the students were progressing and adjusted my approach as necessary. Since I had a time limit for my teaching, creating a lesson plan helped me structure the entirety of my lesson. This helped prevent me from rushing through topics or portions of the lesson or spending too much time on one activity. For both my String Methods and Band Methods lesson plans, I also included a reflection I wrote after teaching my lesson.  ​

Texture Lesson Plan

String Methods Peer Teaching Lesson Plan

Peer Teaching Reflection

Burris Teaching Lesson PLan: When You Wish Upon a Star

Burris Teaching Episode Reflection