By Jordan Goodman
Photo by Brooke Hall
Who Are Our Teachers Teaching?
As a music educator entering a mental health internship in a Baltimore City School, I was most excited to experience the school’s music class.
What did I expect? An underfunded curriculum with minimal and aging instruments, but a dedicated teacher using creativity to make up for lack of resources.
What did I find? A music educator’s dream classroom stacked with all types of percussion (who’s seen congas in a public school?!?), brass and woodwinds, piano, etc., and digital tools to project Powerpoint notes for the class to follow. What was missing was an educator who could effectively connect with his students.
Now understand, I have an unending respect for anyone who dedicates their work week to helping children in Baltimore City reach their potential, especially for little pay and respect in return. However, even the best of intentions doesn’t translate into effectiveness.
Where’s the Disconnect?
After spending the entire first half of music class trying to capture the attention of the 3rd grade students, the teacher attempted to create a discussion about music genres. He asked the students to name styles of music.
Rap. Hip Hop. Old School.
The latter broke some tension in the room, and granted it was funny, but these answers highlight some important information. These kids have been raised by parents who came-of-age in the Hip Hop generation and the genre currently dominates Top 40 and mainstream culture.
So that’s the information the kids provide and how does this white teacher in a school that’s 99% black and 1% hispanic respond?
He plays classical music at them on his piano.
#EpicMusicalFail
He lost the little attention and rapport he gained with the class and after 45 minutes nothing….literally no-thing was accomplished.
I pulled a kid aside who I noticed had been drumming on his lap during class and asked him how it’s possible to learn in this environment. He said it’s not possible.
Give ‘Em Something Tangible!
One thing I’ve learned as an educator is that creativity is essential. Being flexible enough to adapt to what the students and the situation presents. Of all teachers, you’d think the artists would have this ability.
Now I’m not claiming to be the world’s most effective teacher, but I do try my best to meet people at their level. After all, who is the teaching really for?
In the few “therapeutic music” sessions I’ve had with the kids at school thus far, I’ve been able to use what they provide to keep them engaged. We play songs from their favorite TV shows and artists. I’ve also been able to take seemingly random occurrences and turn those into tangible teaching moments.
A young girl played a short rhythm during an open jam that I recognized as a basis from Baltimore Club music, a hybrid genre of House and Hip Hop that’s helped put Baltimore on the international musical map. These 2nd graders instantly knew about Baltimore Club and we, not I, grooved on that rhythm for a few minutes. This led into an opportunity for the children to speak about their feelings towards Baltimore, both good and bad.
There was no plan. Nothing was forced. I noticed an opportunity and shaped it into a lesson and activity based on music literally created in their neighborhood. It certainly was more effective than playing an 18th century, European composition at them.
Is our nation’s education philosophy flawed?
Do our teachers feel empowered to use their creativity?
What teaching styles did your most effective teachers use?
Should we try to engage students at an emotional level?
Do we want our kids to learn how to memorize mundane facts or become creative problems solvers?
