The Ron Clark Academy

It’s summer time, and I’ve been slacking on my posts a little, but there’s a video that I just found that I’d really like to share. This is Ron Clark, and his teaching methods are really interesting. He incorporates music to teach other subjects. This link is to the CNN report about his method and how he’s teaching using a method that truly speaks to the kids.

Developing and Asking Excellent Questions

What is more difficult? To lecture, then check on progress and test on understanding, or to establish a democratic process where we acknowledge and respect our students’ talents and intellects? Which better helps the students’ develop a student’s thinking and listening skills to make aural distinctions between an array of musical styles and genres? I would argue for the latter, alongside Randall Everett Allsup and Marsha Baxter, which they expound upon in their article “Talking about Music: Better Questions? Better Discussions!”

There are different types of questions that teachers ask in a democratic (or Socratic, it could be argued) teaching method with students. The first is called an open question, and it opens up a discussion and is very general. Examples of such would be “what did you think of that piece of music?” The second is a little more specific, called a guided question, which leads to the teacher’s desired point of discussion. Examples of this are “what makes this song feel danceable?” What part of the song makes the music feel darker?” The third is much more specific, called a closed question, and it expects a short answer. This can include yes or no questions. “What time signature is this song in?” Did you hear one instrument or multiple instruments?”

The question method can be used during group work with students.

– The problem statement of the group project itself is the open question. What are possible ways of solving this problem? What kinds of things will we need to know more about in order to better perform this group project?

– Guided questions can help bring students back onto the path of solving the problem. How is your current endeavor going to contribute to the success of the project? What specific emotions do you want people to feel when you share your project with others?

– Closed questions can be used when you need to be completely clear that a group is not on course, or they don’t seem to be getting a specific point that you’re trying to stress. Does this particular effort satisfy the project requirements? Is pink your favorite color? Will your schedule allow you to accomplish this task as part of your project?