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Teaching Observation from Ellen Abrahams

Westminster Choir College

Music Education Department

Name of Teacher Hannah Larson Name of School Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Grade 15 November 28, 2012 Date 1:39pm - 2:24pm (Music Theory) Time Lesson/Rehearsal Plan: Conforms to the required forms. Comments: Another great plan. In fact, there was enough plan for two lessons. Lesson/Rehearsal Execution: Includes appropriate strategies to meet the objectives and answer the focusing/essential question. Comments: Quiz: The students must have believed the quiz to be fair. I suggest that you create a plan for executing a quiz. How do I pass it out, How do I collect it, How do I explain it so you avoid so many questions. -Do not underestimate assessing students through testing. It takes more thought and strategy than you might expect. That goes for grading, too. I understand that your co-op is the grader, however, as a teacher, you will have to do this. In some districts, the grade drives the culture, like it or not. Lesson: You included discussion, cooperative learning, good questions. -What if you had "We Shall Overcome" playing as they entered? It could have been a tease for the quiz as well as an example of a protest song that represented a historic movement for change. I like weaving in connections in unlikely spots.

 General : Includes classroom management, assessment and standards. The strongest areas of this lesson/rehearsal were: The discussions have been engaging. The choice of music shows thought on your part. You honored their world, you made them think. You have a knack for this kind of format. THAT IS A STRENGTH! -Have you ever thought of asking a student to lead a discussion? Since you have modeled it so well, perhaps they would benefit from doing it. Moderating a discussion for an opinionated high school student has potential, right? -That gives you the opportunity to play the devils advocate. If you played the role of a person from an older generation that may believe that "Where is the Love" is a cheap shot at society.. Suggestions for the next observation: I encourage you to be very specific with the criteria for the composition project. Micro-manage to a degree. -Where are the music theory concepts? You tested for key signatures, will there be a component making that connection? -It will be tedious time well spent. Creative endeavors can lose completion as well as educational goals without a management tool. You seem to like the General Music side of teaching. That is a strength. Build on your strengths, always. 15 Todays Grade (15 points maximum) _________________