I can almost see the finish line .....these past weeks have been a whirlwind of meeting deadlines while trying to beat loadshedding! Loadshedding has become a term that I loathe...it complicates all my plans. This semester has proven to be one of the most challenging yet. I have been tempted to quit on so many days but I am glad that I pushed through and will be able to look back soon and say that it wasn't easy but it was worth it

What could the possible reasons be that assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase? 

A very crucial reason why assessments in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase is neglected is because teachers don’t understand how it could transform their schools. Most schools give academics like literacy and numeracy priority and tend to neglect Performing arts and music. They don’t consider the impact it could have on students and how it can improve listening skills, focusing, learning and  team work.

Assessments in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase continue to be poorly understood and imperfectly tracked as Schools, teachers and music leaders are often unclear on how to consider retention and progression; with a range of flawed measures, inappropriate assessment strategies and unhelpful targets being deployed. Challenges in assessment are connected to questions of pedagogy, teacher experience, and understanding of pupils’ wider music lives as well to the structure of the National Curriculum. There is often a lack of effective connection between music within the classroom and music beyond the classroom. This means that young peoples’ engagement and progression are not always fully recognised, nor well-supported.

Please explain how you would advocate for and heighten awareness about the importance of assessment when speaking with your HOD about your concerns in this regard.

I would stress on the importance of assessments to the HoD by proving to him that Assessment is a crucial part of learning because it helps students learn. When students are able to see how they are doing in a class, they are able to determine whether or not they understand the work that they are being taught. Assessment can also help motivate students. If students know they are doing poorly, they may begin to work harder. By partaking in assessments, the students are also able to focus on their strengths and weaknesses in order to perform better in the particular subject. Assessments need to be conducted frequently with feedback to the students. Assessment is also  an effective way for communication between the teacher and the learner. It is a way for the student to communicate their learning to their teacher and for the teacher to communicate back to the student a commentary on their learning.  it provides students with structure and motivation to better themselves, while ensuring resilience in competition and disappointment. It is crucial  so students can be taught an appropriate level.

Hello beautiful people...So much has happened since my last blog. Deadlines have passed, assignments have been submitted...so now I can breathe a little more now...

I have fond memories of music when I was in primary school. I especially loved being in the school choir. I wasn't much of a singer so my teacher included me by finding me an instrument to play. She gave me a little triangle instrument to play. It made me feel so special and included. I played that triangle with a huge smile on my face. I have fond memories of my music teacher and I wouldn't change a single thing about how my school music experience turned out.

What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

These students most probably didn’t feel included. Some of them find it difficult to adapt especially when they are doing an activity that they were not comfortable with from the beginning. Because of their apprehension towards the song and the activity they most likely didn’t want to participate in the activity. Children can also feel inferior to their friends who are familiar with the language and will do well in the activity.

Why were some learners uncomfortable?

Every student has different strengths and weaknesses as well as their own way of learning. Most importantly, every student has their own way of expressing themselves. These learners that were uncomfortable are most probably not familiar with the rules and therefore this will prevent them from playing along.

Can you think of ways to address these issues in future? What will you change?

As a teacher, I must set the tone for activities that I plan for my class. I must take full    responsibility to ensure that activities are embraced by all children.   I must have hindsight to not allow any biases to manifest in my lessons. I need to change how I approach learners that will find certain activities socially challenging. I also need to make sure that students have a choice to participate in activities.

When they have choice, they feel validated and empowered. Students should also be allowed   to participate in activities that will also expresses their uniqueness. This will create the opportunity for all activities to transcend cultural barriers.

How can we accommodate diverse learner profiles in our classrooms? What must we beware of?

We need to remember that if a child doesn’t feel safe and secure then learning will not take place so we must ensure that learners are not placed in difficult situations that make them to feel isolated and unworthy.  It can be challenging to meet the needs of a culturally diverse classroom, there are many benefits. We, as teachers, have a unique opportunity to bring students together. We need to be careful that we create a classroom environment that is sensitive to all students’ cultural identities

The past week has been a rollercoaster!!!!

I have struggled to get back into working on my modules. My father passed away and it has left me emotionally in ruins. I am finding it extremely difficult to allow life to keep moving. I' m expecting the world to stand still for me. Its so difficult to accept that life is going on but I'm not ready to move on.

100 whatsapp messages later -  I'm grateful for friends that I have never met  that remind us through whatsapp groups about due dates and give us helpful tips and never stop posting until you finally drag yourself to your laptop and look at what needs to be done. So its getting better. 

Greetings beautiful people, My name is Vino Baijnath. I am a 2nd year Bed Foundation Phase student. I live in Park Rynie which is a small town in the south coast of Durban, KZN. I am passionate about living life to its best. I am passionate about my family and friends. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of my biological children as well as the many children that will cross my path as students. I want to be able to leave a lasting impact on them that will help guide and shape them in their path of life. Music is a universal language that can bring hope and unity. I hope through this module that I will be equipped to use music as a means of creating great moments with my students that they will cherish.