Farah's Entry on Reflection for Oct 22, 2010

Session 7
DEMO PROJECTS BY GROUP C + D: The Music Student teachers

First by Group C (Deborah Chong, Jing Yi and Samantha): Western Opera using http://classicalkusc.org/kids/opera/base.htm
They teach opera music through watching the Hansel & Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck.While watching the show, the students are required to identify the various music played. Self-directed learning is obvious here because the students need to check out the website, read the instructions to watch the show. Students also get to taste on what an opera is not by words or theory but by visual and experiencing it which can promote another dimension of meaningful learning-real world context.
Second by Group D (Isa, Bryan and Carmen): Orchestral Instruments using www.sfskids.org/
They teach western orchestra through having students to explore the website: www.sfskids.org/ Self-exploration can help students who have a slow pace of thinking or action. However, as lessons have specific time allocated, this can be impractical. The solution to this is for teachers to have students explore the website under a specific time and allow the students to explore at home or after school along with given assignments based on the website. On the other hand, through the use of the website, learning can take place anywhere and anytime for as long as the student has access to the website. The website has many features that students encouraged to do self-directed learning might get lost or confused and this also means the teacher needs to keep on track for every student’s progress. The website is loaded with colorful pictures and various sounds just like Group C.

The other two games to participate during this session is the Nintendo Wii. It successfully creates excitement and students are eager to follow and understand the instructions in order to win the game. Students are keen to experience the game. This games have allowed the students to also build rapport with the other students.Thus, Nintendo Wii promotes self-directed learning and collaboration.