Maria Morales

Teaching Philosophy

Studies have found that Students responsibility increases

[while] classroom behavior decreases. (Marshall) Teachers teach

students about the levels of social development and how to account for

their actions. A music program brings in a safe and efficient classroom

that is consistent with the classroom management practices. My

teaching philosophy is divided five key elements; Pride, safe

environment, student input, routine and respect.

I believe Pride is extremely important with classroom

management and my teaching philosophy. Students should be honored

of who they are and what they bring to the tables. Not only is it

important to have school pride but also having pride on your playing

abilities. For example, giving an award to the best percussionist to play

the cleanest eight notes. [Students will] never experience humiliation

when they fail but instead learn how to turn mistakes into success.

Again, we go back to teacher teaches students. I believe we should

make our students feel welcome coming to class and not fear the

teacher or certain students. I personally dont allow any discrimination

or bulling in my classroom. Which brings me to my second philosophy.

Webster Dictionary states that a safe environment is a

dependable or trustworthy surrounding. For example, letting a kids

bully or make fun of a students because he is different is unacceptable

or even letting the students laugh because their fellow classmate

 Maria Morales

messed up on a measure. I believe in creating a positive environment

where students express themselves in a healthy way. This not only

applies to the way they are but how they perform their instrument. I

have watch a lot of kids come in the front ensemble and play so timid

that it affects their playing abilities. One of my phrases is You are

here to make mistakes and I will help you correct them. They should

feel safe playing wrong notes but have pride that they are doing their

best to be a better percussionist. A word of encouragement follows a

mistake is worth more than a great deal of praise after a success.

I believe students should have an input on things. Give students

the opportunity to express their opinion and learn from each other.

One tactic for listening is to pretend we are the other person. A great

example is having students pick which warm up and scale should we

play first as an ensemble. Or I like to give options on stickings for a

marimba runs, I let them choose what feels better for their hands and

movement of the body. Educators must abandon teaching that does

things to students and replace it with teaching that takes students

seriously, and involve them in decisions. Not only will this help you

get closer to your students but they will start to respect you as a

teacher.

Respect is two way street. Treat others the way you want to be

treated. I think that in order for you to want respect you need to

model it. For example, C.M Charles state Show interest in students or
 Maria Morales

appreciation from them as individuals . . .greet them personally. Being

able to interact with your students in a positive attitude and treating

them with respect is a big key element. Just you as a teacher, modeling

how to shake hands, look at them when they speak or listen to

peoples opinion will help the students when they get older.

My last element of my teaching philosophy is routine. Having a

consistent procedure where time is most efficient helps the ensemble

improve. For example, after several days my students will know that

the first warm up would be 8s & 8s.

Teacher conducting a directed lesson teaches students how to follow

directions. Example, eyes on me [and] no talking while Im talking.

Having a structure on how the band is set up or what music to pull out,

helps develop more time to rehears and ability to clean/fix the

ensemble.

My teaching philosophy is having Pride, safe environment,

student input, routine and respect in my classroom. I believe these are

the key element to build the perfect atmosphere for my students.

One day, your students will greet you at the door with smiling faces

and shake your hand. Before you know it, you will close your classroom

door and your kids will be at their seats, ready to play the first note.

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I

learn- Benjamin Franklin

Maria Morales