Readings #2

Annie Thiese
Music 23241
9/15/11

Eisner, Elliot W. (2003). Preparing for today and tomorrow

       The article was about how the author feels about education today.  The author feels very strongly that the schools are not teaching children what they need to succeed in life.  Instead of focusing on test scores, the author suggests focusing on the individual students, and forming them into functioning humans in society.  The author mentions a few ideas that would help students.  The ideas the author has are to teach children judgement, critical thinking, meaningful literacy, collaboration, and service.  These ideas, if taught to children, would help the children succeed in an ever changing world.
       I had an English teacher in high school who taught us to always think critically.  He believed that if students could not think for themselves, they would not be able to thrive in society.  That teacher was excellent, and he made me think more than any other teacher I have had.  Through that thinking, the students in his class were  able to think differently than anyone else, and it became very helpful.
       I agree with this author.  Schools focus too much on test scores, and it is tearing society apart.  When the students are trained to do well on tests, and that is all, they do not learn the essentials for when they grow up. All the student knows is how to do well on a test, not to think critically about life, or make decisions.  This hinders the student and in doing so effects the future of society as well.
       Society is controlled by the adults in it.  Since the children are the future adults, they are the future of society.  When the children are unable to think for themselves, or make decisions, or even support the other people in society, the society will become corrupted.  The way the world is, is not set in stone, therefore when the future leaders of the society only know how to do well on tests, the society will slowly deteriorate.
       The only way to stop the society from falling apart is to teach children what they need to know to make their own decisions and support the future society.  Bringing in more classes that involve critical thinking, or collaboration, can help the society thrive.  Unless the school systems change, and start teaching for the future of the students, the future of society will be full of people who know how to take a test.

Kantorski, Vincent J. (2005). Some characteristics of excellent teachers.

       This article is about what makes a good teacher.  The ideas in this article do not necessarily make a good teacher, but all good teachers seem to have all of the qualities discussed.   The qualities that excellent teachers have are, knowledge of what they're teaching, passion for what they do, maintaining eye contact with students, listening to their students, uses humor appropriately,  challenges students to succeed, is organized, and makes their students think.  The author found that these were qualities that excellent teachers had.  The author found this information by surveying students and researching.
       I have had many excellent teachers through schooling.  The teachers I have had stand out because of the ways they teach.  They challenge their students, and make the students think for themselves.  All of the outstanding teachers I have had, show these qualities in how they teach, and how they act.
       I agree with the author because all of these traits help the teacher relate to the students.  When a teacher challenges their student to succeed and makes them think, they are putting responsibility on the students.  When a student is given a responsibility, they tend to succeed better than one with no responsibility.  The responsibility gives the student a purpose, and causes them to care more about what needs to be done.
       Students also like to feel like their important.  When a teacher looks a student in the eyes, it shows that they are paying attention to that student, which makes the student feel important.  Also when the student goes to their teacher with a problem and the teacher listens, they feel important.  A bad teacher would not pay attention to their students, because they do not care, but a good teacher is teaching because they love students, and want to help any way they can.
       The most important ideas an excellent teacher must have are to be organized, know the content area, and be passionate about the subject.  If the teacher is not organized, then nothing will get done on time, and they let themselves down, and they let the children down.  If a teacher knows very little about their content area, they are unable to teach it.  You can only teach as much as you know.  And finally, a teacher must be passionate about teaching their subject.  A teacher who loves what they do, will never be boring, because they are eager to pass on their passion, and they want their students to enjoy their subject as much as they do.

Leonard, Mark. (2004). The qualities that make some band directors outstanding.

       This article is about what makes band directors good. The author talks about successful directors, and what they did to become successful.  Band directors will always meet challenges with parents, and schools and even students.  The key to survival is to keep fighting for what you need.  One prominent item in this article is how to treat the students.  Students like discipline, and when you give it to them they respect you.  A good director should know all of their students names, and have a professional personal relationship with each student.
        My band director was always prepared.  He knew what he wanted to get done, how to get it done, and when to get it done.  He always showed respect to students, and knew everyone by name.  He challenged his students by giving them responsibilities, and leadership positions.
       I agree with this article because the author has good tips for becoming a future band director.  One thing the author mentions that I agree with most is that new directors will face issues that they never expected.  being a director is difficult especially in the first year at a school, because you have to start from scratch.  The author warns that you must make small changes towards your final goal, or you will never make it.  You cannot build a band program in a day.
       The author says that you should know your students names, and respect them.  When you know the names of your students, it shows that you care, and that you are happy to have them there.  Students who are shown respect, will return the favor, and will respect you.  When you put students in charge of leadership, it gives them a purpose.  You must guide the student leaders though, or they will not know what is expected of them.
       Students need discipline, and when it is given to them, they may fight it, but they appreciate it in the long run.  if a student is acting up, you may find it hard to treat them with respect, but they will realize you care, if you continue to respect them.  If you tell the students what you want to accomplish, and challenge them to make it happen in a fun way, they will be more than happy to help.