Overview:
The skills needed to be an effective teacher involve more than expertise in music but include a variety of personal and professional characteristics. Effective teachers have several qualities in common regardless of the style or ways in which they teach. As music educators, we are role models for the students in our classes and it is important to remember that an effective teacher is one of the most important factors that contributes to student achievement and a successful classroom.
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe the professional qualities of an effective music educator,
- Identify and describe the academic background needed to become a music educator,
- Identify and describe the personal qualities and characteristics of an effective educator,
- Examine the essential music skills needed for teaching music, and
- Examine the indicators identified by the National Association of Schools of Music for becoming an effective music educator.
What are the Personal Characteristics Necessary to Become an Effective Teacher?
A music educator's personal qualities are an indicator of his or her ability to work with others and to lead an active classroom. A person that possesses a positive outlook, optimism, enthusiasm, and a sense of humor is more likely to motivate students and be supportive of students and colleagues. An effective music educator should also display empathy through body language and verbal communication. Openness, honesty, and respect for others are vital for inspiring students to work and achieve. They can learn positive personal traits. Particularly enthusiasm; A smile is infectious.
Most music educators choose to teach from a desire to share their love of music. This is a noble and worthwhile motivation, but effective music educators must be able to communicate this clearly to their students. While bureaucratic paperwork, classroom discipline, and school calendars often take precedence, an effective music educator does not forget that communicating the original intent for teaching is necessary for maintaining a sense of value and worth.
Intellectual curiosity is a trait commonly associated with study and research. However, a music educator should frequently read and reflect on current developments in education. They can reflect both individually and collectively. Through field experiences, students can reflect on their experiences with others including peers, cooperating teachers, supervisors, and university faculty. The perspective of other individuals is key to understanding personal development as a music educator. Dialogue with others and self-reflection may reveal insights into some of the following areas:
- The actions taken as part of the teaching process
- The meaning of teaching actions and choices
- Changes in learning and growth that may have occurred as a result of continued practice
- How the student thinks about teaching, learning, and assessment
- How the student views his or her role as a professional music educator
The attributes of a life-long learner are important in maintaining teaching skills, stimulating creativity, and being aware of the growth and progress in the world.