Ownership in Student Learning

 

        When I think about "ownership" in regards to student learning, the term "investment" comes to mind. Students have to have some part of their mind invested in the topic or information at hand. In general most if not close to all of my students want to be in my class because they chose too. I am lucky in that manner because students generally want to pursue and learn how to play an instrument. (During the middle school years) The hard part for me is how do I keep them in my class? I have to create an environment where students feel safe and invested so that learning, creativity, vulnerability, can take place. 

        Even in 2022, there is so much that is not understood about the effects of music on the brain. It has already been proven that playing live music uses both sides of the brain at the same time as well as a large portion of it; actively. (Especially when improvising) (Playing/creating something new for the first time)

Music also hits every single person in this world differently. Some people have a deep emotional connection to music early on; whereas with most people it takes time to develop memories and attach songs to moments in our lives. Whether it be movies, life moments, media etc. There is also something to be said where students enjoy solving complex patterns, whereas music is full of them! (Especially as students get older and work on more advanced music) 

        In my classroom I try and pick instrumental music that is both cinematic, emotional, sometimes popular, and technique driven. The reason why these elements are present is because music effects all students differently. Sometimes students like the difficult patterns, sometimes they like the emotional power of a song, sometimes they simply like the songs because I pick an arrangement from a movie or show that they like! This helps create student ownership because students are invested in their own learning and want to improve their own technique and keep up with their friends who are also in band!