Dolloff, L. (2014). Evoking Beliefs About Music Teaching and Learning.

GEMS
(Gender,
Education, Music and Society. Volume 2, Number 1, Sprint 2003;
Reprinted Vol
7, Number 5, 2014.
Dolloffs main point in this article is to show the importance of teaching
images as an element of music education. She used music education
students, studying in university or conservatories, 130 were
undergrads and 20 were graduate students. She asked them to draw
pictures of the ideal teacher and self as teacher. She also points
out that bridging theory and practise improves teaching. Some
students do not develop personal teaching theories when they enter
the teaching career and it lacks identity and individuality.
About the drawings, Dolloff noticed some common themes. For
example, students put a big smile to represent friendliness; big heart
to show that they care; radiation for positive energy; and book shelves
to demonstrate knowledge. Analysing drawings can reveal personal
and social knowledge. It shows how people see the world and it shows
how we feel. This is one of the many things that brings beauty in art.
The arts (visual, dance, and music) is full of expression and emotions
of the artist.
About gendering our teachers, she points out the truth. Theres a
stereotype that demonstrated itself through the drawings, that the
view of teachers are usually women. How can we turn stereotypes
around? As students hopefully to become future teachers, we have the
power to turn around these stereotypes. Society is always changing
and as we grow, we can be the change for a better community.
Dolloff mentions a point that students usually see themselves as
musicians as teachers. Students should look past their subject of
expertise to develop personal teaching theories to combine that with
teaching practises. I, however, think that there is no conflict with the
musician as teachers view. The primary perception should still be
musicians. I see the contrary: musicians as teachers actually creates a
form of identity. Musicians are mastering the art of music and what we
learned in our formal and informal music education experiences, we
can pass it onto our students in our own way. What I am trying to point
out is that music should always remain our top identity. Its what we do
all day everyday and its what we love. Having the mentality of
musicians as teachers sparks creativity in teaching methods.