I
chose the “Compose a Phrase” lesson plan because it has clear curriculum goals.
There were three main goals: 1) teaching students how to play G and C scales on
the keyboard, 2) helping each student to play from the piano book pp.23-51 and
3) challenging students to compose a short notation project using Sibelius
software. Also this lesson plan has a lot of use in digital technology such as
computers, Sibelius software, digital camera and projector which can grab
students’ attention easily. This lesson definitely supports many of NJ Core
Curriculum Content Standards.
In
my opinion, there was no gap between the curriculum goals, teaching strategies,
and technologies used. Because the writer of this lesson plan used each
technology on the appropriate teaching strategies, the achievement of the curriculum
goals was the natural outcome. For example, she used Sibelius software after
teaching students notes in G and C scales. By the time, students were very
confident with using these scales and working with Sibelius could motivate
students to apply what they learned to the real composition. The usage of
electronic keyboards was a great idea, too. It really helps students to play
the instrument to remember notes in scales rather than just reading and
listening.
The
technologies that were used in this lesson plan were essential to achieve the
curriculum goals in authenticity. Without electronic keyboards or Sibelius
software on the computers, students would not be able to actively participate
in music making. The whole curriculum goals were written based on the use of these
technologies. Without these technologies, the curriculum goals would be
possible to achieve in 40 minutes as it was planned. Perhaps it is possible,
but it would take much longer to achieve it.
URL
of my spread sheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AizMSVGMihqtdFgzYkEwVXVfb1BwOUgzdF9EOXl2MEE
