6/11/2018
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Christopher Mink
|
I have a student with autism spectrum disorder that does not like to be tested in a group situation. He also exhibits emotional difficulties and can have outbursts in stressful (testing) situations. As it is a string class (violins, cello, etc.), it is interesting that this student will play with everyone willingly, but refuses to play by himself in class. This is amusing to the other students, because he is by far the best player in the section. They constantly encourage him, and he is slowly coming around to the idea that he really is the best (a good chance to teach some humility).
When giving playing tests in class, I will have the whole section play the part together several times as I stand next to each student and assess.
For more concrete documentation I have each student record their playing test in a practice room with only a student proctor to run the recorder.
Most students when asked prefer the recorded tape playing test. |
6/11/2018
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Christopher Mink
|
Using Finale to arrange the same piece of music with varying levels of complexity gives my students the option to play the "reduced" version of a piece. On the reverse side of the page they will find the top tier more difficult version.
Differentiation in the string classroom is easy. There are many ways to break a piece of music down into its constituent parts. Students are taught to recognize the different concepts/skills pertaining to the music they are learning and how to separate and improve those skills. Students are broken into groups with like parts and focus on what skills need improvement. Peer partners (stand partners) can form even smaller groups. |
6/11/2018
Topic:
Students With Disabilities
Christopher Mink
|
Are there other kinds of clay that are easier to manipulate? |
6/11/2018
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Christopher Mink
|
Reciprocal teaching works great with my orchestra students with disabilities. My students have roughly 45 minutes to create a product (them being able to play their parts? |
6/11/2018
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Christopher Mink
|
I also have to adjust students seating in orchestra class for many reasons. Most students will find their comfort zone in the section and gravitate there every day. If there are no problems and they are improving, I let it stay that way. Some days I mix it up completely and they love it. |