Speaker Reflections
Gould Reflection
Dr. Gould’s presentation was focused around progressive education, and what is the best type of education / what the purpose of education should be. Dr. Gould’s main theory is that “teaching is impossible”. In my opinion, this is a dramatic statement that Dr. Gould made to express the fact that there are countless approaches to teaching, and no single method of teaching is correct. During her presentation, Dr. Gould also set out to establish the difference between a theory and an opinion. Gould says that evidence, inferences, and interpretation must be present for something to become a theory, whereas an opinion is simply a ‘thought’. Gould also explains that theories have implications and consequences, and opinions are just unsupported claims. I believe this is a very wise distinction between thoughts and opinions, and I agree entirely.
However, Gould defines teaching as the simple act of communicating and expecting results, which I only partially agree with. I do agree with the fact that that is the basic structure of education: communication, and then reciprocation of that information. I do not agree that this is all education is, I believe education is more about inspiring one’s pupils by teaching the material in an engaging and interesting way. Education is about sharing passions. Gould also mentions that she believes pedagogy is just “a fancy term for teaching”. This is fairly true, as pedagogy refers to a teacher’s distinct style or method of teaching.
Gould also delved into the subject of progressive education, explaining that this style of education is where the students and teacher are “seen as equal”, and the teacher serves only as the facilitator. Teachers are often constricted by time and curriculum, and with progressive education, the students can choose how fast they work, and what they study. This leaves for more freedom both on the part of the students, but also the teacher, as they can choose what they would like to discuss as well. Gould emphasizes that there is a “fluid relationship” between teacher and student, with both parties having important responsibilities that they need to uphold.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Gould’s presentation, as it made me question what I thought education was. Gould’s presentation also discussed different takes on education, which I thought was very interesting and beneficial.
Dr. Gould’s presentation was focused around progressive education, and what is the best type of education / what the purpose of education should be. Dr. Gould’s main theory is that “teaching is impossible”. In my opinion, this is a dramatic statement that Dr. Gould made to express the fact that there are countless approaches to teaching, and no single method of teaching is correct. During her presentation, Dr. Gould also set out to establish the difference between a theory and an opinion. Gould says that evidence, inferences, and interpretation must be present for something to become a theory, whereas an opinion is simply a ‘thought’. Gould also explains that theories have implications and consequences, and opinions are just unsupported claims. I believe this is a very wise distinction between thoughts and opinions, and I agree entirely.
However, Gould defines teaching as the simple act of communicating and expecting results, which I only partially agree with. I do agree with the fact that that is the basic structure of education: communication, and then reciprocation of that information. I do not agree that this is all education is, I believe education is more about inspiring one’s pupils by teaching the material in an engaging and interesting way. Education is about sharing passions. Gould also mentions that she believes pedagogy is just “a fancy term for teaching”. This is fairly true, as pedagogy refers to a teacher’s distinct style or method of teaching.
Gould also delved into the subject of progressive education, explaining that this style of education is where the students and teacher are “seen as equal”, and the teacher serves only as the facilitator. Teachers are often constricted by time and curriculum, and with progressive education, the students can choose how fast they work, and what they study. This leaves for more freedom both on the part of the students, but also the teacher, as they can choose what they would like to discuss as well. Gould emphasizes that there is a “fluid relationship” between teacher and student, with both parties having important responsibilities that they need to uphold.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Gould’s presentation, as it made me question what I thought education was. Gould’s presentation also discussed different takes on education, which I thought was very interesting and beneficial.
Nitzsch Reflection
Mr. Jacobo Nitzsch's presentation focused on challenging your status quo, discovering who you are as a person, and discovering what you want to do. Nitzsch emphasized the importance of doing what you are passionate about, and being willing to adapt to social and political changes. He also posed the question: what is classical music education? Is it simply following music and ordering musicians around, or is it something more? In my opinion, music education is about inspiring your students, and teaching them skills that they can apply to a variety of different subject areas and/or aspects of their life. I truly appreciate Nitzsch's intentions to draw this out in his discussion and make us question not only what music education is for us, but also what we as instructors would hope to get out of it, or accomplish with it.
Nitzsch discussed one of his projects, Composition For Creative Thinking, which elaborated on his message to use your musicianship and teaching skills in a creative way. His project consisted of taking important social topics (such as LGBT right, feminism, etc...), debating about them in a group atmosphere, and creating music with messages about these topics. This kind of work can also be paired with sociology, as well as being put in other languages in order to spread the message as far as possible, and have the greatest impact. I believe as music educators, it would be incredibly important, and extraordinarily useful to be involved in programs such as this. These kinds of programs serve such an amazing purpose, as they give those involved great experiences that can be learned from, and help to shape ones own identity. This topic of identity was very important for Nitzsch, as he asked us: what makes us different? What do we have that sets us apart from other musicians and other teachers? I feel like this is incredibly important, because when you are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, only then can you begin to shape your career into exactly what you want it to be, and have the legacy and impact that we desire.
One of the last things Nitzsch discussed was the difference between a musician and an artist. He explains how someone can be a great musician, a great worker and 'rule-follower', but with no passion and purpose. Nitzsch explains that to be an 'artist', one has to be creative, experimental, willing to evolve, and willing to try new things. I believe this is one important aspect that can distinguish a good teacher from a great teacher. When a teacher is passionate about what they are doing, and applies this passion and their skill for the craft into their teaching, the results are magnificent. Not only do the students receive an amazing educational experience, but the students and teacher feed off of the passion and interest, and are able to develop and become better at their craft.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Jacobo Nitzsch's presentation, and I felt inspired by his message. I also wrote down something Mr. Nitzsch had said about the process of developing that I thought was very important. He said that we must ask ourselves "What am I doing, What did I do, and what is next?". I felt this was important, because it is very important to be aware of the past, and present tense, and plan according to what you want out of your future.
Mr. Jacobo Nitzsch's presentation focused on challenging your status quo, discovering who you are as a person, and discovering what you want to do. Nitzsch emphasized the importance of doing what you are passionate about, and being willing to adapt to social and political changes. He also posed the question: what is classical music education? Is it simply following music and ordering musicians around, or is it something more? In my opinion, music education is about inspiring your students, and teaching them skills that they can apply to a variety of different subject areas and/or aspects of their life. I truly appreciate Nitzsch's intentions to draw this out in his discussion and make us question not only what music education is for us, but also what we as instructors would hope to get out of it, or accomplish with it.
Nitzsch discussed one of his projects, Composition For Creative Thinking, which elaborated on his message to use your musicianship and teaching skills in a creative way. His project consisted of taking important social topics (such as LGBT right, feminism, etc...), debating about them in a group atmosphere, and creating music with messages about these topics. This kind of work can also be paired with sociology, as well as being put in other languages in order to spread the message as far as possible, and have the greatest impact. I believe as music educators, it would be incredibly important, and extraordinarily useful to be involved in programs such as this. These kinds of programs serve such an amazing purpose, as they give those involved great experiences that can be learned from, and help to shape ones own identity. This topic of identity was very important for Nitzsch, as he asked us: what makes us different? What do we have that sets us apart from other musicians and other teachers? I feel like this is incredibly important, because when you are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, only then can you begin to shape your career into exactly what you want it to be, and have the legacy and impact that we desire.
One of the last things Nitzsch discussed was the difference between a musician and an artist. He explains how someone can be a great musician, a great worker and 'rule-follower', but with no passion and purpose. Nitzsch explains that to be an 'artist', one has to be creative, experimental, willing to evolve, and willing to try new things. I believe this is one important aspect that can distinguish a good teacher from a great teacher. When a teacher is passionate about what they are doing, and applies this passion and their skill for the craft into their teaching, the results are magnificent. Not only do the students receive an amazing educational experience, but the students and teacher feed off of the passion and interest, and are able to develop and become better at their craft.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Jacobo Nitzsch's presentation, and I felt inspired by his message. I also wrote down something Mr. Nitzsch had said about the process of developing that I thought was very important. He said that we must ask ourselves "What am I doing, What did I do, and what is next?". I felt this was important, because it is very important to be aware of the past, and present tense, and plan according to what you want out of your future.