Hello fellow bloggers,

Well, as we are nearing the end of the year, I unfortunately still don’t feel as if I am on top of all my work. It was nice to have recess but working on assignments that are due so close together meant that I did not get a break. I sound like a broken record because every time I post a blog it seems like I have something negative to say but I am seriously struggling with the workload. I feel like I am running around like a headless chicken and still not achieving much ☹ I hope things settle down soon and I get on top of my work.

As I have been studying for almost 2 years now and being afforded the opportunity to work in a foundation phase school I can certainly see how important it is to assess learners and the benefits this has. This study unit confirms the importance of lesson planning and assessment and these should always be done in every subject at school. The part that I found particularly interesting was transformation through music education and the questions that should be considered when planning lessons, this really makes one think about how children might feel or think which is what we should always consider when planning lessons. How will these lessons benefit them? And do we have the learners best interest at heart?    

Individual reflection

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

In my opinion, assessment is often neglected because there is not always a specialist teacher to teach this subject. Teachers who are not specialists in this field but have to teach music might not know how to assess learners in this area and because they have other subjects to think about they might feel that music is not as important. Some under privileged schools might not have the facilities to have a music department and therefore there is no opportunity for children to be assessed or even learn about music, which is very sad. Music has so many benefits from what I have learned throughout this moducle and it would be nice for schools to put more emphasis on learning about music especially in the foundation phase.

• 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.

Being equipped with the knowledge that I have learned about the benefits of music and the performing arts, I would have to voice my opinion on the importance of assessment and why this should be made a priority in every subject. I wousld ask to speak to the Head of Department and explain to her/him that during my observation I have noticed that assessment is not a regular thing and this should be made a priority. I would explain to them that the reasons why I believe this should be made a priority is because of all the benefits that music has on a developing learner and if we are to keep their best interests at heart then assessment is imperative. Assessment not only allows us to see their improvement but it also helps us to see what area a learner might be struggling in.

At the end of the day it is up to us as teachers to always keep our learners in mind and decide what is best for them. We have to equip them with the skills and knowledge that will help them throughout their life and this starts in the foundation phase. Assessment has to be done and it has to be made a priority in every school.