Klarinet Archive - Posting 000033.txt from 2002/06

From: Karona Poindexter <poindka@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Teaching the 'students' of today
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2002 23:27:57 -0400

I think the general issue is that children need to be children and adults
need to be adults. Many of today's kids think that they are adults and
most of that comes from the lack of control that the parents have. I
mostly have young students and some I have some who has a comment for
everything that I say. I said to one kid, "I hope you don't do this with
your parents," and he said "sometimes I do." I said to him that that was
wrong. And I had no problem saying that to him.

Sometimes, I feel I'm too mean with my students but the parents think I'm
great and are very thankful for my style of teaching. They also feel that
I'm patient. So I feel that I do okay, need improvement as anybody does,
but I do okay.

On Saturday, June 1, 2002, at 08:20 PM, KarenEDB@-----.com wrote:

> Dear list members-
> I have read with great interest the posts about band students and the
> band programs of today! i am a MS Band director as well as a private
> teacher! The program I teach in is very large-about 1/3 of the school is
> involved. As with anything-the variety of students is amazing. I have a
> number of amazing students amd I have those who-well----really struggle or
> don't try at all. I have high expectations from my students because it
> helps
> them to take more ownership in their progress! The students in our top
> groups read a LOT of literature and give 5-6 concerts a year. We also
> expect
> them to do simple theory and to display correct playing skills. I never
> let
> up and they enjoy their improvement! I also have studetns that are not
> easy
> to control-=but I must say-that is true for them in every class, the sad
> thing is that they detract from those who really care and want to
> learn. I
> believe this is where parents should come in. Todays society expects
> teachers to fix everything and as much as we try, it isn't possible.
> Parents
> need to bear more responsibility in these cases! I will do whatever it
> takes
> for a student to learn but they have to want it!
>
> When it comes to private lessons. I tell my students at the onset
> that
> they are expected to come prepared or they may lose the priviledge of
> studying with me. I rarely have many problems with attitude and if I do
> it
> doesn't happen again. In private teaching I never have to resort to
> being
> mean. I work to get to know my students as people because I am not only
> teaching music I am teaching them to become the best adults they can be.
> I've always had the philosophy that my goal was to teach students to love
> music and the rest would happen-and it does!
>
> Sorry this has rambled-teaching public school is tough today. It
> takes A
> LOT of patience and LOTS of time beyond the school day! It often consumes
> your life. It is the greatest job on the world! I know my students and
> parents parents repect me and work with me to do what is best for their
> child. Do I abuse their time-absolutely not!! They should have time to
> try
> many activities-that's what childhood is for! Good luck to all of you who
> have children in school music programs!
>
> Karen
>
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