MICHELLE DOUBELL
Good day. My name is Michelle Anneline Doubell, and I am currently enrolled in the second Bed Foundation Phase. I am originally from the Eastern Cape but currently reside in the Western Cape. I was given the opportunity to study and work at the same time which I am very grateful for. I never imagined myself as a teacher when I went to study Business Management, but when I couldn't find work in my field, I took my parents' advice and went to observe at a school and look where I am now! Three years later, I'm studying to become the person I was born to be. I observed all grades but fell in love with the learners from the foundation phase; my personality suits them best because I enjoy talking and interacting. I find LSKA 221 to be very educational, enjoyable, and enriching. This module does have a lot of content and requires a lot of time and focus, but I expect to learn new things as well as be able to do new things.
Study Unit 5
10 Nov 2021, 20:53
ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMING IN THE FOUNDATION PHASE
Assessment is required to determine the development and progress of a learner. Arts might seem as an “effortless” subject but not everyone can create magic with a pencil, paint brush, or instruments nor can anyone teach arts. For this reason, I believe assessment of performing in the Foundation Phase is key as arts is a skill one acquires and should be rewarded for effort. The following can be considered reasons as to why assessment is neglected in Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase:
- Absence of recourses such as space, supplies and instruments.
- Teachers lack training, skill, and knowledge on the subject.
- Arts is regarded as a distraction to academics.
- The curriculum does not offer clear guidelines as to what the arts teacher needs to assess.
- There is no formal arts assessment tool put in place.
If I had to advocate the awareness about the importance of assessment of the Performing Arts and Music in the Foundation Phase, I would say this. Assessment is rewarding. It allows the teacher to determine the development of the learner and for the learner to acknowledge their newfound skills and abilities. It is rewarding to see how hard works pays off and where the learner can improve. Assessment also allows for a fun activity especially in the arts. Learners may have to draw or paint a picture about their favorite animal, dance to their favorite song, start a band or even make their own instrument from recycled material!
For me, arts are not an easy subject to teach and requires a lot of skill, creativity and out of the box thinking. Arts deserve to be assessed because both the teacher and learners work hard to create magic.