1. Please share your story as an LSKM 221 student by comparing your knowledge, skills, experiences, abilities and attitude towards music education from the start of the semester to the end of the semester.

It is a tough module I wouldn’t lie, I was a little scared for the LSKM 221 module. But with the resources I’ve manage to understand I thought I would fail this module because I didn't know anything about music or arts. But at the end I managed the module for this semester. I’ve gained a positive attitude towards music education because before starting this module I was very negative when it came to music education. I learned so much new skills and I definitely learned a lot from the others through the collaborative discussion. I learned so much from music and arts and my abilities when coming to music and arts became stronger and my experience throughout this semester. 

2. What was your experience of the role of individual reflection as part of the teaching and learning process? Use the following prompts to reflect on your blogging experience and the role that individual reflection played (or not) in your teaching and learning experience this semester:

What did you learn from your individual reflections?

I just enjoyed reading other student's blogs because it was so interesting to hear everyone's opinions. I have learned so much through the individual reflections. I gained so much knowledge and became aware of so much. By doing the individual reflections it helped me to understand better of what I learned. The fact that we could also read each other's individual reflections was so awesome, because I could see who enjoyed what of the certain study unit and where I was differing from someone, I did always hear about music but after completing this module, I exactly know what is expected from music and arts in the Foundation Phase

What did you find challenging?

I found lesson planning from study units for this modules a little complicated but I read through it and made myself understand and now I feel more comfortable with everything. The most challenging part for me was learning how to interpret music in other subjects. Learning about music elements was also a little challenging for me but at the end I pulled through and understand much better now.

Did you find the individual reflections meaningful? Please motivate your answer.

I did find the individual reflections meaningful because it made me study more and by doing a reflection made me understand the module more and I was taught and made me understand even better.

What would you change if you had the opportunity in future?

Everything was just perfect and put out very good. I have nothing to change. This module is a 100%. Everything in my opinion will just stay as it is. At the end I know much more as before

3. Please share what you would change in the LSKM221 module if you had the opportunity. The following prompts can guide your reflection:

What did you find interesting and meaningful?

The module was difficult and very tricky but to answer the  question is  I found the whole module interesting and meaningful. From the beginning up until the end, this module was taught very well laid out very well.  I now know much but learning different music concepts was really interesting and meaningful to me because I didn't even know before starting this module that music has different concepts.

What challenged you, and what do you still struggle to understand?

The module was a very challenging at the beginning because I didn't know anything at all and Learning about arts integration was struggling.   But at the end I am at ease now and understand it much better and now I don't struggle to understand it anymore.

What didn’t you find valuable for your future teaching practice?

I feel that this module actually prepared me for what was coming when going to teaching practice. I found each and every bit of this module valuable for my future teaching practice. I learned so many strategies that I will definitely use when going for teaching practice. It was funny and enjoyable studying this module.

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

The reason why assessment in performing arts is being neglected could be a few reasons such as teachers are not fully aware of what should be thought, the workload is too much in all of the other subjects that arts and music are being put aside. Teachers are off the mindset that performing arts, should be an option, because statistics prove that very few learners actually, consider a career based on music and performing art. Teachers are under the impression that music and art integration activities are too time consuming. The reasons for neglecting assessment of arts and music in the foundation phase can be the limited time that is available. There are so many subjects that are regarded more important and more “useful” than music or arts, that this subject is regarded as unimportant. It is so important to assess a learner’s music and art advancement. Schools are faced with economic and financial contestants, and believe that music and performing arts, is and additional cost to the school, Little do they actually realise that music and performing arts can be done at virtually no cost, but utilizing recycled materials. If I had to come up with a plan in how to bring performing arts back in full swing in the school is to firstly come up with a plan of action and to educate the teachers of what should be expected from them when teaching performing arts. It is important to assess learners’ achievements in this field because I think that it is the roots to all other subjects. It helps learners to set goals, to learn discipline, to interact with other learners or to work in a group, and to express themselves in a positive manner and have a good self-esteem. Performing arts and music is so beneficial towards children and have a positive impact in their daily life. All these aspects are crucial to all other subjects

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 will have statistics and academic articles that prove that art integration and music, gives rise to major benefits such as socialization and communication skills, better retention and memorization statistic’s. Will have my facts straight so that it is understandable of how important music and performing arts is in the foundation phase; also provide evidence on how music provides benefits in terms of languages and mathematic skills. I will design and implement activities that include performing arts and music into my personal class, will make sure that when music is being used that it is always integrated in all the other subjects and that everyone is aware of it so that music can be considered will then video the lesson and have concrete evidence on the communication skills and cognitive development that the children learn. I will make sure that there is a strategy that can be used and that is beneficial when coming to making use of music and performing arts in Foundation Phase like present the life skills CAPS documents, where it states that performing arts and music is actually written in black and white, and it is an important prerequisite especially in the foundation phase. I will make sure that the HOD makes every teacher in Foundation Phase aware of how important performing arts and music is. Suggest that that the H.O.D, speaks to the principle to address the issue of neglect in terms of music and performing arts, and slot in a period that is allocated to these components, with this implementation, teachers would not be able to say that music and performing arts are too time consuming. I will suggest an idea, that a survey should be carried out, within the school, to assess which teachers actually.

Thank you 

1. Some people might say that arts integration is a waste of time in Foundation Phase education. Please explain how you would respond to such a statement by explaining your view on arts integration in the Foundation Phase.

Art integration is giving the learners an opportunity to take what they have learned or understood from the content and express it in an artistic way. This can be done through music, dance, or art. That music is not only utilised in a manner that keeps children entertained, but music also has many positives, music offers holistic development, which would mean that integrating music into the foundation, will increase their ability to comprehend and to respond to that specific topic. Arts integration has been proven to contribute towards higher motivation levels among learners and supports academic achievement and socialisation among learners. Art promotes various skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, experimental learning, and learning how to work together with their peers. Art helps to engage the learners and capture their attention as the lessons become fun and arent taught in a traditional structured boring way.  The benefits of art include: Reading and language development, Mathematics, Cognitive skills, Improved social behavior and Positive school environment. The benefits prove the importance of integrating art and should be a non-negotiable factor. Schools that encourage teachers to apply arts integration strategies in their teaching have shown improved results with regards to learners’ mathematic performance as well as decreased disciplinary challenges.

My observation is I have noticed that children in the foundation phase often have problems with memorization, the integration of music can aid in efficient memory stimulation. When learners are encouraged to demonstrate their understanding through the arts, we create teaching and learning environments in which individual learning needs and abilities are met. Through the application of arts integration teaching strategies, we design teaching and learning activities which are inclusive and provide multiple means of engaging with and internalising new knowledge and skills (accommodate various learning styles and preferences. Integrating music into specific lesson, can make the lesson much more enjoyable and in turn, finding an easier and more effective ways to reach lesson goals and objectives for both the teacher and learner.

2. Which aspects of study unit 4 did you find the most interesting and challenging?  Please use the following prompts to reflect on your experience:

• What did you find interesting? Please explain why.

The aspects that I found most interesting, was the creative ways in which music can be integrated into subjects.

• I loved the activities that were provided by our lecturer, but this also drove be to do my own research on how I could integrate music into my very own classroom in the near future.
• I also found the different strategies that can be implemented very interesting. In fact, I found every aspect of study unity 4 absolutely, informative.
• I also enjoyed the various YouTube videos that were provided, in study unit 4, being a distance student has many advantages and few disadvantages, for example distant students don’t have the opportunity, to attend physical lecturers, and have one-on-one contact, but I honestly felt that the YouTube videos, enabled us to have a glimpse of what actually goes on a classroom, and prepares us for our educational journey as teachers.
• I enjoyed watching the Videos and learning how music can be effectively integrated into a math lesson. It felt as if I was in the classroom observing the lesson rather than reading about ideas on integrating music. It really helped to put it into perspective.
• To be honest, I underestimated the benefits of art and learned how important and beneficial it is to the learners. I will definitely incorporate these ideas and strategies into my future classroom

• What did you find challenging? Please explain why.

The challenges I found was the development through teaching and learning. I found it confusing and didn't really see a difference between the ways that music can be used in the classroom also the theoretical framework aspect, had me quite lost. I found it a bit complex to understand what the aspect of the theoretical aspect meant, but after doing in-depth study I can officially say that I have a sound understanding of the theoretical framework.

What possibly made some learners uncomfortable during these activities?

In the scenario the learners felt uncomfortable because they did not understand what was being sung, and they could not participate to their full capacity due to the lack of understanding the lyrics of the songs. Could be the type of music was unfamiliar or I feel that the learners were shy and uncomfortable because they were expected to dance in front of others Whilst others felt embarrassed and shy due to them having a personal religious or moral dilemma..  Not everyone has the same confidence as everyone else. 

Why were some learners uncomfortable?

Learners didn’t understand the song that was playing or it is because they did not know how to dance to this type of music. Learners felt shy to dance in front of others

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

In future, I will ask the learners why they are not comfortable is the first place I will ask them to choose the songs and will first teach the learners the meaning of the lyrics if it is a different language to their own, this will ensure that the learners can easily relate to what is being listened to or sung. If I’m the one who choose the song I would choose music that includes all the learners in my class.  I would have a theme every week where we discover a different language, different genres. That will help me to identify the root cause of the problem. They will feel part of the group and not excluded from the activity. . If the child was just shy, I would pair them with children who are similar where they would feel comfortable and not overwhelmed. As a teacher one should always ask the learners for understanding and to ensure that each one is on the same page; I would also communicate with my learners and always touch base to ensure everyone is comfortable and no boundaries are being crossed. Check for clarity and assist learners that still feel uncertain about a specific concept or topic. I would never force a child to do something that they are not comfortable with.  If it is a formal assessment, I will arrange that the child performs it in private.

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

It is very difficult to accommodate each and every learners needs regarding cultural, diverse and religious backgrounds without insulting or stepping on toes but as a good teacher I will incorporate all cultures and genres in my classroom and have weekly themes where the children can participate in group discussions, games, and activities based on the culture of the week.  They will learn about each other from each other. One should always be as honest and transparent as possible and one should teach and instill respect and acceptance within the classroom environment. Learners should feel safe; and have the capability of communicating if they feel unsure or unsafe. Learners should be taught all different cultures and beliefs; and the adult must ensure that they respect and understand each other. The most important thing a teacher must beware of is assumption; do not just assume based on your own understanding and knowledge that the content will be fine and relatable, always ask the learners and include them in the choice of content, song or activity- this will prevent situations like the one in the scenario.

Study Unit 2

Me as a foundation phase teacher I would definitely choose contemporary commercial music because it encompasses all types of music, from pop to movie or commercial music. I choose this because this is something that all the learners would be aware of and know for example it would be something that they already know from a movie or a commercial and we all know today's learners know everything. Making use of contemporary commercial music is also something that all the learners would be comfortable with because there is a variety and learners enjoy music that they are familiar with. For example, something they may have learned from a movie or a commercial, and we all know that today's learners are well-versed in everything. Using contemporary commercial music is also something that all of the students would be comfortable with because there is a wide range of music to choose from, and students enjoy listening to music that they are familiar with.

I do think that they content and examples in study unit two is inclusive. Study unit two included everything that we need to be aware of and also made us aware of the different elements in music, as well as the various elements that make it up. It contained a wealth of useful information that I was previously unaware of.  It included a lot of valuable information that I wasn't aware of. From different types of music to cultures and languages, the examples and content included everyone and everything so that no one would feel left behind, from different music types to cultures and different languages.

I do not feel that there must be any changes in study unit two because everything was perfectly laid out and well taught. One point I'd like to make is that there should be more examples for the other grades in the foundation phase, as there are mostly only examples for Grade one's, and some more languages could be interpreted in this way. Overall, I thought this was an excellent study unit with well-organized materials.

Introduction.
My name is Sihle Celukuphila Mndaba, I live in Empangeni. I am the first born of four children with 1 daughter on mine. My dream  has always been to become a teacher and make a difference in other peoples lives. 

It is sometimes stressful to juggle my house chores, work and my studies all together. I am unemployed and I'm am struggling to pay for my studies.

I will enjoy this module because I do love music and everything about it and I hope to learn more in this module. And I love singing

Best of luck to each and everyone for this semester!!!

 
Afternoon. Sihle Celukuphila Mndaba