Philosophy of Education

Gretchen Torrey

Conceptualization of Learning
Learning is the act of engaging with material in order to gain new understanding and knowledge.
Learning occurs more quickly when new information can be applied to information the learner has
previously acquired. In order for learning to occur, students should be actively immersed in and
participating with the material. They should be given ample opportunities to experiment with the material
in new contexts, show their understanding in multiple modalities, to peer-teach, and help one another.
Students construct their understanding by manipulating the material; through trial, error, and success.
Pace of learning amongst students will vary, as it may take some longer than others to grasp concepts, and
requires multiple forms of communicating the material.
All students can succeed, grow, improve, and contribute to the classroom environment.

Conceptualization of Teaching
I define teaching as the act in which I help students to learn new material. I help students to learn through
providing visual and auditory examples, movement activities, games, art, languages, aides such as
enlarged music, modeling desired outcomes for students, instructing the class as a whole, providing
individual instruction where needed, and reminding students of the importance of in-class participation.
Listening to student’s comments, questions, and concerns, while providing clarification, keeping them
attentive, checking for student understanding and monitoring progress, as well as modeling for students
and having students model desired outcomes; these are all crucial pieces of the learning process.
As a teacher, I need to ensure students are gaining skills that will further their previous knowledge and
ability of material.

Goals for Students

One of my main goals for students is for them to realize that anyone can succeed in music. Success takes
many forms. It may be something as small as not missing a note in a passage, or identifying each note
correctly by it’s placement in the staff. Or using correct playing technique, when the student used to play
the instrument incorrectly. Success could also mean finding the courage to allow oneself to be heard, in
other words, trying, even though it is scary. Students will always have time to practice materials as a
group, with and without guidance from myself, individually, and co-practicing with peers.

Implementation of the Philosophy

In the classroom, daily objectives for material are always written on the board, and referenced multiple
times per class for student awareness and investment in learning. They are written in “I can” language for
students, suggesting that they will eventually be able to utilize those skills. Examples of what to do, as
well as what not to do, are given where appropriate, in order to demonstrate proper technique. Frequent
checks for student understanding are conducted through means of having students verbally confirm what
is expected of them, and asking for volunteers to demonstrate concepts. Time is also allotted for questions
and comments, as acknowledging both of these helps to define where explanation was vague or confusing

Professional Growth Plan

My first and foremost professional growth goal is to keep up with the ever-evolving advances in music
education. I would like to attend the Oregon Music Educators Association (OMEA) conference in Eugene
Philosophy of Education
Gretchen Torrey

each winter, as well as take additional endorsement classes such as Orff, World Music Drumming, and
Hot Marimba. Secondly, I would like to observe other elementary music teachers in order to broaden my
scope of what they implement in their classrooms. Thirdly, I would ask for fellow teachers and
administrators to sit in on my classes, so that they could share a different perspective on my teaching
approaches and provide guidance as to where and how I could improve. Lastly, I would consider having
my oldest level classes provide end-of-year evaluations, which would give feedback on how I could be
better serving the needs of my students.