Blogging with Middle School General Music Students
Posted by jamesfrankel on April 13th, 2007
For the past few months I have had my 8th grade general music students use the blog environment to critique music from the Western Classical tradition. I created a blog site using the resources of MusicEd.net - the host of this blog. Set up was quite easy. I created a number of links to relevant websites, and posted entries for each listening example. Students are required to post their reactions to compositions that are played during class time. After I show them a presentation on the process of critique I play representative pieces from various musical eras and my students post their written critiques on the blog. There are now over 100 student critiques on the blog, and I am thrilled with what the students are writing. One classroom management tip - be sure to have your students use only their initials or perhaps assign them a composer name when they post. You should also check with your district Internet usage policy in regard to blogging.
I believe that because I am utilizing a familiar environment, students are more comfortable writing about music. I am often amazed by the maturity of their responses. I’d love to get your reactions to their postings, and I urge you to try blogging with your students. Although it’s been around for a few years now, I don’t hear of many music programs utilizing this powerful resource with their students.
I welcome your comments and suggestions.
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April 15th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Hello,
Thanks for your work and explanation of your lesson plan for writing a critique. I’m a fifth grade teacher and “googled” writing a play critique. I’m intriqued with your use of blogs to energize your students to respond. Thanks for putting it out in cyberspace.
April 16th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
James,
Thanks for sharing the blog entry and powerpoint on the music critique project. Do you assess these critiques in any way? I was also wondering if students read each other’s critiques. I imagine it would be interesting to have a discussion about all the different perspectives expressed in the various critiques referring to the same piece of music.
April 17th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Evan,
I have two handouts that I give the students (a listening chart and a blank critique form), but I don’t have a formal rubric. Now that I think of it, I probably should. The students read each others’ entries during the week I give them to post. I play the work 3 times for them, and then they have a few days to post. We discuss everyone’s critique the day after they are due.
By the way, I also give the students the option to hand their critiques in on paper, but most post to he blog.
Thanks for your comments Evan!
James