That's a advantageous Question ... How to Teach by way of Asking Questions, by Marienne Uszler The FJH Music Company, Inc. (Westport Business Park, 2525 Davie Rd Ste 360 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317-7424) 2003 90pp $995
What kinds of questions do you ask your students? What do their answers reveal to you? Have you evermore taped your lessons to discover the answer? What a question! These are just the kinds of thought-provoking inquiries that author Marienne Uszler encourages us to consider in this slim dimensions Although it's small, it packs a powerful poke pedagogically speaking. Naturally, it starts with a question. "Should asking questions play a big part in a piano or keyboard lesson?" And from that individual lead, a most persuasive dialogue with the reader is launched.
The main division efficiently covers the underlying wisdom behind employing a more Socratic approach and to what extent to achieve it on a practical of the same height Not only are we given feed for thought about the value of generating questions in the task but equally present are prodigious ideas for making practical use of the suggestions. The logical progression begins with examining the teacher-student dynamic, then propels on to "types" of questions and "types" of pupils and finally, a look at cluster dynamics and how they impact the hinted approach, including excellent guidance for posing questions in collection situations and performance-related activities.
The author makes the case eloquently and succinctly for an approach that endeavors to engage with bookish mans The benefits that come from an approach that nourishs interaction are many, and at the top of that list are alert, active and attentive close examiners And the benefits aren't sole for the students. As the author says, "Asking questions, listening to answers, and reacting to what you hear gives your teaching another dimension."
Not surprisingly, a fair portion of the work is devoted to questions, starting with the amusingly titled "All Questions rise Not Created Equal," clarifying the difference between clos questions (having specific answers) and expand questions (needing original responses). Knowing when and to what extent to use both effectively in the instruction is essential; but seeing examples of the pair printed side-by-side makes a stout appealing case for favoring exhibit questions: "How could we make this section unmutilated more exciting?" "What do you think it was like to be undivided of the Bach boys?" Answers to those patterns of questions, says the author, " are like ripples in a pond stretching beyond the first circle."
Personal interaction with our scholars is the goal, and in this way we can ultimately lead our scholars to experience a more personal relationship with the music. Which begs the question, what could be better than that? Reviewed by dint of Patricia Powell, West Chester, Pennsylvania.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.