9/9

Jensen, Eric, and Eric Jensen. "11." Brain-based Learning: The New Paradigm of Teaching. Thousand Oaks, CA.: Corwin, 2008.

This article by Eric Jensen discusses a method of learning that is not based on philosophy or pedagogical research, but on the brain. Jensen guides the reader through a complete teaching cycle, comprised of five different stages: Engagement, Framing, Acquisition, Elaboration, and Memory Strengthening. Additionally, he discusses how to prepare before the class begins and how to ensure students remember the content after class.

At first glance, a teaching cycle seems like an effective way to disprove David Williams' views on the large ensemble. When I imagine going through a teaching cycle in a large ensemble setting, it is tough for me to come up with new ideas during the 'acquisition' and 'elaboration' sections that would not simply involving playing the music over and over again until the information is concrete. I know that this is not the best way, but what are some strategies to go about creating an interesting and diverse 'acquisition' and 'elaboration?'
The more I think about 'engagement' and 'framing,' the more important it seems to me. I think about when I come to class and am not in the proper mindset; how does that affect my ability to learn? Certain teachers are able to change my mindset when I walk in the room without me even knowing it. How can I engage my students in unique ways that won't become stale over time?

Waitzkin, Joshua. "Two Approaches to Learning." The Art of Learning. N.p.: Simon & Schuster, 2007. N. pag. Print. 

This chapter from Waitzkin's book discusses two different types of learners, entity theorists and learning theorists, and the outcomes of those two learning styles. While his experience is in chess, he relates this content to education in general, discussing how students gain a false sense of what they are good and bad at. 

How do we encourage students to become learning theorists instead of entity theorists? It's a difficult task because students are exposed to so many different teaching styles in their lives. At least one teacher is bound to make them feel like they have a particular affinity, or lack thereof, for a certain subject. Being music teachers may give us a leg up. Students often separate music from other subjects in school, meaning they have an entirely different mindset when they walk in to the room.