STUDENT TEACHING

OBSERVATION FORM
Music Education Department
Westminster Choir College of Rider University

SUBJECT AREA: Primary General
Student Teacher: Ashante Taylorcox
University Supervisor: Sharon Morrow
Cooperating Teacher: Laura Hall-Carney
School/Site: Parkway Elementary School
Classes Observed: General Music Grade 4

Summary and Recommendations:

This was my fifth observation of Ashante at her student teaching placement at
the elementary general music level. Today I observed a fourth grade general
music class. Again, Ashante was well prepared with a detailed lesson plan for
this class.

Ashante met the class in the hallway and asked them to choose a team to work
with. Prepared in the room were two giant treble staffs made on the floor with
tape. She asked the students to name what she was standing on (staff), and also
the names of the clef, lines, and spaces. This was a creative way to focus the
energy of the students and also served as the anticipatory set for her lesson.

From there, she conducted a review of line and space note names, having a staff
for space notes and another for line notes. The students came up to the board to
write answers there, and were allowed to ask a friend for help if they got
confused or unsure once they were up there. This was a wonderful way to set
the knowledge they had, allowed you a chance to assess whether they were
ready to go on to the game that was in store for the lesson, and also served to
allow all the students to have a chance to succeed in this activity.

When a student was particularly stuck, Ashante mentioned, Using your resources
in the room(and then started to improvise a tune using the words)turn
aroundlook behind you. On the back bulletin board of the room there was a
treble staff with the names of the lines and spaces. It was so fun to see the
students finally understanding that they could get the help they needed to get
the correct answer and be able to put it up on the board. I loved that the students
got so animated and were so pleased with themselves when they put up the
correct answer on the board. For some of these students, I would wager that this
is a new feeling for themand one that felt good. I firmly believe that this is not
cheating for students, and rather teaches them that if there are resources that are
available, they may use them.

This also served as a great pre-run for the game that came next. This was a two-
team event where the students needed to turn over three bean bags and then
place the bean bag on the note that was the answer for the hint that was attached
to the bean bag.

After the game, the students worked out their own mneumonics for the lines and
the spaces of the treble clef. Ashante wrote their answers on the board when
they brought them to her if they wished. Again, great confirmation of good
student work.

It was wonderful to see Ashante comfortable and able to be playful with this
group, yet still be the adult in the room. The students were never at a place
where they took advantage of her good humor and quick smile. Rather, they
worked hard for her, and helped to self-monitor the group on their own.

This was a great teaching lesson today, Ashante. Great anticipatory set, great
review, great game, and great wrap-up (assessment). Good job today!

Beginning/Ending time of visit: April 22, 2014 at 12:15-1:00 pm.

___April 22, 2014 ____________ ____________________________________
Date Signature University Supervisor

I have read the summary statement above.

_______________________________
Signature Student