Summer PDA Written Reflection (Submitted after completion of 15 hours) In order to receive PDA credit for your summer

activity, you must provide me with satisfactory evidence (written commentary and/or video) of what you learned about teaching/learning. Guiding questions that will help you prepare your submission: 1. Describe the learners (approximate age, grade) setting and context (nature of the event). Korean Adopted Childrens Choir is composed of 30 kids. The age group varies from 5 to 13. The choir was found in 2006 with a vision to increase awareness of adoption in South Korea. All members are adoptees and they gathered twice a week to practice for their upcoming concerts at the Seoul Art Center, Gang-Book Art Center, and The Kennedy Center in D.C. 2. What did you learn about how students learn? What types of instructional practices were utilized (e.g., lecture, examples and non-examples, guided practice, independent practice, reading, discussion, visual, aural and kinesthetic modalities)? Children were amazingly focused during the rehearsals. I didnt expect younger kids to be able to stay focused during rehearsals, especially during the six hour dress rehearsals. However, most of them managed stay focused and sat/stood with good postures. Older kids constantly took care of younger kids, during rehearsals and in between breaks. The conductor and the voice coach often moved around to interact and instruct the kids individually. 3. What did you learn about how to inspire and motivate students, especially resistant learners? The teachers didnt underestimate the kids and kept reminded them of their abilities and their vision as a choir. The kids knew that they are capable of improving while they were being taught. The teachers knew each childs tendency and his or her own backgrounds. Kids were treated equally, but handled differently. 4. What did you learn about how to manage students (establishing routines, having rules and consequences, helping students feel safe)? Managing the kids was not a problem. The teachers expressed their honest affection and care towards the students. But they still kept their role as teachers and the kids listened and relied on their instructions. Older kids sat good examples for younger kids by being submissive and responsible. If a kid lost focus or disrupted the rehearsal, the conductor or the voice coach pointed him or her out right away in that moment.

5. What did you learn about yourself (e.g., strengths, areas for growth, habits, personality traits, comfort zones)? Helping the choir was an incredible experience for me. I learned that childrens choir is something that fits my character very well. I got very close with the kids from the beginning and although it was physically tiring at times, I always left the rehearsals with energy and cheerful mind. I learned to be venerable with the kids but still kept teacher-student relationship with them. 6. What did you learn about planning for a learning experience? Teachers had a structured lesson plan and goals for each rehearsal. For example, when they asked the choir to make certain changes (resonance, color, tone) during warm-ups, they were for specific reasons to apply to their repertoire. 7. Describe any evidence of critical pedagogy application. Throughout the rehearsals, the students were asked to reflect on their singing. They were not just told to do fix things, but asked to reflect on themselves. By doing so, students understood and fixed (techniques, posture, ext...) things internally. Teachers often open themselves by sharing personal stories. Although they were not always related to music, the moments allowed for the teachers and the kids to engage in mutual feelings and to become more intimate. 8. What did you learn about communication with others? Communication was crucial while helping out the group. I first learned how to interact and bring trust to the kids. I also translated all their lyrics, playbills, video clips, and guest musicians profiles to English. All my works needed to be professional. Timing and due dates were very important to fulfill each tasks. I learned to stay on top of things and be organized. I became a better listener because I needed to listen carefully and not forget when instructions were given for my tasks. 9. In summary, how did this experience contribute to you becoming a better music teacher? This experience gave me opportunities to work in professional settings. Working with professional staffs/musicians developed my communication skills. I learned to stay on top of things and be organized. I became a better listener because I needed to listen carefully and not forget when instructions were given. Observing the rehearsals gave me insightful lessons for teaching/interacting with younger students.