It's a group thing: getting started in group teaching

The range was filled to capacity; seventy-five enthusiastic teachers, representing twenty-three states, were seated in semicircular fashion around three studio scenarios; three vertical, acoustic pianos and a chalkboard, a computer and defence set for transparencies and Power Point presentations, and a T-shaped digital keyboard lab. A stationary TV camera was center upon a platform in the midst of the audience, and movable cameras, followed through the customary tangle of cords and cables, occupied abundant of the periphery.

From Friday afternoon until noon upon Sunday, these teachers and six clinicians explored the mysteries and marvels, the principles and practices of collection piano teaching, while a skilled TV husbandman and his crew documented each word and action. The site was Indianapolis, Indiana; the incident was the very first seminar neared cooperatively by Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the National Piano Foundation (NPF): Getting Started in clump Teaching. The clinicians discovered that the audience consisted not single of those eager to obtain started in group teaching, on the other hand also many who had already experienced its benefits and were eager to learn more.

Enthusiasm, beneficial humor and collegiality were the order of the day; within that brief window of time "a camaraderie developed" attendees praised the opportunity to "learn not single from excellent clinicians, but from other participants," appreciated the "time allotted to sharing experiences" and take delight ined "intermingling" in order to "learn about different approaches." The teachers all took residence a large, priceless notebook of resources; a certain quantity of took home new philosophies as well. individual teacher admitted, "The seminar turn rounded around my opinion of cluster teaching;" another claimed, "It changed my modes and my life!"

The TV version of this unique fact edited to fit into a reasonable time frame, will pretty soon be available for use by the agency of individuals or associations. MTNA and NPF are in the proces of planning a next to the first seminar, to be scheduled in late summer of 2002 Meanwhile, just to pique your curiosity and whet your appetite, read upon and contemplate some questions and answers about clump teaching that emerged from the Indianapolis seminar.

Perhaps the overriding question with regard to this topic is "Why teach in groups?" The assemblage in Indianapolis answered this question vociferously and without hesitation. (Some typical annotates appear in quotes above.) These individuals feasted in the opportunity to learn from each other, share ideas, discuss, ask questions, present opinions and compare and contrast, beneath the guidance of several facilitators--all in an atmosphere of opennes and collegiality. It's no surprise, then, that these teachers came together in search of ways to tender the same sort of opportunities to their pupils who will ultimately reap the benefits--and the excitement--of learning from their compeers under their teacher's watchful guidance.

Just What is a cluster Lesson?

* A cluster lesson is a learning environment where all participants are involved at all times and in all activities, where individuality is regarded and cooperation is encouraged.

* A assemblage lesson offers a climate of respect--teacher to learner student to student and scholar to teacher.

* A assemblage lesson offers optimum learning potential, happiness and excitement, as well as a chance to exhibit lasting friendships.

* A collection lesson has many forms and faces: It can adapted weekly, or less often, in combination with private or partner tasks or can stand alone as an effective learning situation.

* A cluster lesson is equally effective with children or adults.

* A assemblage lesson can take place in a studio with single or more pianos, in a piano lab or in a studio with a combination of acoustic pianos and keyboards; equipment can range from chalkboards and flash cards to more sophisticated technology.

* A cluster lesson is an effective use of a teacher's time and energy

What is it that Makes a clump Lesson Really Unique?

* compeer interaction and group dynamics are the main ingredients--the "rockbottom" essentials--in felicitous group situations.

* mate interaction--"The combined or reciprocal actions of sum of two units or more individuals that have an result on each other and work together"--is at hand when students are guided to learn from each other by dint of sharing ideas and strategies, and applauding the succes of a classmate in the proces of a shared goal--learning music.

* collection dynamics can be described as an atmosphere where the excitement of exploring, being creative, performing--and hence, learning--is shared and nurtur by dint of the contributions of all the members of the cluster and in the presence of supportive peers

by what means Do I Get Started with collection Teaching?

* Begin with a separate to explore this approach to teaching music and be courageous and creative:

* Find a colleague already engaged in assemblage teaching, observe lessons, take notes and ask questions; list in a seminar or an appropriate association pedagogy course; or go to of the like kind sources as www.grouppianoteacher.com and www.music.sc.edu/ea/Keyboard/PPF or subscribe to a listserv through e-mailing listserv@ouwaxa.cats.ohiou.edu with the message true copy "subscribe GROUP-PNO-L."