motivational strategey. I was inspired by the Harry Potter books. I teach music grades 1-5 and was thinking of dividing my students into "houses" or "teams" that could work to earn points or would lose points depending on behavior and accomplishments. I also have lunch duty, so it could transfer into that.
One person I mentioned this to said it would divide the students too much, what do you think?
Also, do you have suggestions of any other motivational strategies, possibly including the classroom teachers?
2007-07-18 12:25:45 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
There would be some sort of prize at the end...I could even do some big thing in the cafeteria
2007-07-18 12:47:12 · update #1
Just so you know, these are elementary general music kids. I have objectives that they all have to meet for a grade, just like any other class. It has nothing to do with talent, any more than any other subject does. I also teach band, but I am not talking about band. This is just something extra to do for classroom management, and most of all...fun.
2007-07-18 16:52:27 · update #2
As long as the teams were fair -that "problem" students were equally distributed. We used a similar type of motivation years ago w/ our MS advisement classes. Positive Peer Pressure can be a GREAT thing. And is a real world lesson for kids - they will have to learn in real life how to get along with all kids of people.
I'm sure teachers are well enough aware of the challenges some teams may have with some kids that they would try not to overly punish one team that has a "rotten apple".
And I disagree with the poster that mentioned "talent." Talent and accomplishments are two very different things, and I think what you are talking about is independent of talent.
2007-07-18 15:18:27 · answer #1 · answered by apbanpos 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's an awesome idea! Is there any chance that other classrooms would want to get involved? That way it could be a grade-level competition as opposed to dividing the students in your class. But I think either way, the students would enjoy it and stay motivated! This could lead to many different lessons or teachable moments! Good luck :o)
2007-07-18 13:21:54 · answer #2 · answered by Samantha B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you want to divide and conquer in music.
That's for PE and Sports
Do you want the Counter Point to outshine the Root notes!
Think about it.
You want COMPETITION in music.
The drummer will win.
The cymbal player will win, hands down.
Music is a TEAM sport. A single TEAM sport and ALL are on the SAME TEAM
You are inviting UPSTAGING to occur!
What you're going to get with that approach is the GUY or GIRL sitting at a table in the background of a play EATING an loud APPLE while the LEADER CHARACTER is delivering his Soliquey!
Sorry, I don't get your logic and I produce record albums that get on international radio.
You're inviting the guy with the MARSHALL STACK to turn his volume up to 11 and DROWN out the acoustic guitar section!
The SECRET of good music is sometimes SILENCE. The HOLES play an important part.
The TACET
The REFRAIN
You want to get people to do zzfz
Music is about 40 people being PART of a WHOLE and the WHOLE is more important than ANY one person.
You're inviting Chaos!
The secret of good music is letting the Triangle player know his three hits in the middle make the song and it doesn't matter if THAT's ALL THEY DO.
2007-07-18 16:41:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ok while this is a good idea in theory, in practice you might be discouraging the students who get "stuck" with behavioral or educational problems in their groups. You also have the the problem of talent in music. I am all for motivating good behavior, but talent is a tough one. Look at the groups behavior to each other in Harry Potter, is that the result you are looking for?
2007-07-18 14:54:17 · answer #4 · answered by fancyname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I taught full time for 30 years, and it sounds like a good idea to me.Would u offer some sort of prize for the highest scoring house?
2007-07-18 12:33:05 · answer #5 · answered by SKCave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think teams are fine since that what 1-4 teachers do. Make sure you have your rules and expectations in place as well as rewards and consequences.
2007-07-18 12:29:31 · answer #6 · answered by Lovely unicorn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about something that's cooperative, rather than competitive? Everyone works towards a level, then we all celebrate?
2007-07-18 12:52:37 · answer #7 · answered by jateef 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ithink that's kindof queer ask ms. levis about the peace bucks:D
2007-07-18 12:33:17 · answer #8 · answered by nahgurl:D 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋