Constructivism! Yes, it worked!

So, as you guys know, I presented on constructivism, and presented some ideas that were not previously tested by myself. You may remember that Constructivists believe students need opportunities to solve authentic musical problems in the context of authentic instructional design (Wiggins, 2007), reconceptualizing the curriculum.

Some of the things I suggested to do with the curriculum were:

1. Students selected concert literature. Who doesn't remember that cartoon? I love it. (see below for more explanation)
2. Student groups choosing a pop song and figuring out how to perform it in the contemporary a cappella style without step by step instructions from the teacher (i.e. the style of Gagne). This socially constructed knowledge of songs (hello... hottie Vygostky and lesser handsome Bandura!) does alot, as I learned. Not only did student self-efficacy improved, but morale was higher. Several students pointed to learning about not only themselves as a group member, but to others as who really excelled at the assignment.
3. Small cooperative groups for learning. For me, this started accidentally when I needed to work with some groups, but I didn't want the group I just finally got their notes down to start singing the wrong part. (This was my first year). So I told them to go to different corners of the room and work out just themselves until they got it. Now, I have a lot of room, thankfully, and everyone has basically their own space, where it is expected that if I or they decide they need the time, they come back ready to perform (normally for the extrinsic motivation factor of a fake tattoo or Lisa Frank sticker). They always come back much better, more energetic, and the best part is, they come get me if they need me. And believe it or not, they do actually work for 80% of the time. I know that the 20% of the time, they are actually building camaraderie within the group, which is also necessary in choral singing, so I don't mind that either.
4. Use of technology to drive student constructed learning. I have this wikispace: pennbrookchorus.wikispaces.com; which feel free to join. It's pretty cool. I love that I can interact with students. Hopefully soon, I will teach them how to add a page that they like, since that's the whole point of it! It's been cool to see students really connect to the music making, and they choice of songs (going back to post #1). It really makes us all a community of learners.

Anyway, I'm sure that I will be talking about my research and applications for my final project, as I find myself increasingly into it. But I wanted to give you a heads up, that this is all indeed possible, and you should try it before the end of the year!!

Best of luck! My district issued a strike notice for Monday, so depending on this next week, I may or may not be joining the first week. I'll see everyone in July though!

-Katie