MOTIVATION!
MOTIVATION!
There are a myriad of strategies that can be used to promote student motivation in and out of the classroom setting. These strategies are rooted in inclusion, attitude, meaning, and competence. These strategies come from the motivational framework by Wlodkowski and Ginsberg’s 2017 book, Enhancing Adult Motivation to Learn: A Comprehensive Guide for Teaching All Adults.
STRATEGY 1: ALLOW FOR INTRODUCTIONS
DEFINITION: Sharing your name and something about yourself with learners and having learners do the same to create rapport, establish an environment of safety and trust, and support comradery and learning.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Share your name, pronouns, a little background, and why you chose music therapy, and invite students to do the same.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Video (first day of class introductions): https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=KYYVCRaWFq4
25 ice breakers for introductions: https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-resource-center/25-icebreakers-to-introduce-yourself-to-a-new-classroom/
Creative ways to introduce yourself: https://2cuteclassroom.com/23-creative-ways-to-introduce-yourself-to-your-students/
Importance of introductions: https://www.uwidocs.org/2016/09/03/importance-of-introductions/
STRATEGY 4: SHARE SOMETHING OF VALUE WITH ADULT LEARNERS
DEFINITION: Share something of interest, such as a challenging, rewarding, or humorous learning, working, or personal experience, to establish rapport and build trust in the classroom.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Share about why I chose to become a music therapist and/or a story about why I find it so rewarding.
Share about a challenging or humorous client experience.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Connecting with students through strategic sharing: https://www.edutopia.org/article/connecting-students-through-strategic-sharing/
Sharing personal stories with students: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sharing-personal-stories-your-students-dr-avril-el-amin
Article (personal story sharing strategy): https://urbanedjournal.gse.upenn.edu/volume-16-issue-1-spring-2019/personal-story-sharing-engagement-strategy-promote-student-learning
STRATEGY 5: USE COLLABORATIVE AND COOPERATIVE LEARNING
DEFINITION: The use of group work for students to learn new perspectives, work as a team, and reach for the same educational and learning goals.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Group project or presentation about a specific population, intervention, clinical approach, or even about defining music therapy.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Video (cooperative and collaborative learning): https://study.com/academy/lesson/video/cooperative-and-collaborative-learning-in-the-classroom.html
Cooperative and collaborative learning: https://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/coopcollab/index.html
How to use in the classroom: https://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies/2020/07/cooperative-learning-and-how-to-use-it-in-the-classroom/
Collaborative learning approaches: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/teaching-learning-toolkit/collaborative-learning-approaches
STRATEGY 6: CLEARLY IDENTIFY THE LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND GOALS FOR INSTRUCTION
DEFINITION: Write learning objectives to guide students by including the audience (who will learn), the behavior (what will be learned), the condition (how and when will it be learned), and the degree to which it will be learned.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Students in music therapy 101 will be able to verbally define the iso principle, as appears in their textbook, by the end of two weeks.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Video (how to use objectives): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcDvlTK_6XM
Learning objectives: https://cteresources.bc.edu/documentation/learning-objectives/
Determining instructional goals and learning objectives: https://provost.ncsu.edu/ofe/teaching-learning/preparing-for-your-course/determining-instructional-goals-and-learning-objectives/
Writing goals and objectives: https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/writing-goals-and-objectives.shtml
STRATEGY 7: EMPHASIZE THE HUMAN PURPOSE OF WHAT IS BEING LEARNED AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE LEARNERS’ PERSONAL LIVES AND CURRENY SITUATIONS
DEFINITION: Make learning worthwhile to students, by ensuring it is relevant, relatable, and applicable to every day life, not just the classroom setting.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Teach students about burnout and the use of self care as a helping professional. Give weekly assignments on practicing different types of self-care, which can transfer into day-to-day life as postive coping skills for when life is overwhelming.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Keeping learning real, relevant, and relatable: https://www.edutopia.org/article/keeping-learning-real-relevant-and-relatable/
Lifelong learning: https://www.valamis.com/hub/lifelong-learning
Learning is reflexive: https://firstpeoplesprinciplesoflearning.wordpress.com/learning-is-holistic-reflexive-reflective-experiential-and-relational-focused-on-connectedness-on-reciprocal-relationships-and-a-sense-of-place/
STRATEGY 10: CREATE CLEAR, INVITING, AND INCLUSIVE COURSE SYLLABUS
DEFINITION: Using a clear and understandable syllabus can inform and guide students throughout the length of a course about leearning objectives and expectations, assignments and due dates, contact information, and more.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Write a music therapy course syllabus that goes through all aspects of course, including but not limited to, contact info, course materials, course assignments and due dates, course learning objectives and expectations, grading criteria, accessibility, etc.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Video (creating a welcoming syllabus): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSgYzaMXp1o
Video (innovative and inclusion syllabus): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=698lpSxOuVo
Building an inclusive syllabus: https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/teaching-guides/inclusive-teaching-guide/planning-inclusive-course/building-inclusive-syllabus
Supportive syllabus: https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/online-student-engagement/a-supportive-syllabus-what-students-say-about-an-interactive-syllabus/
Alterantive syllabus formats: https://www.everylearnereverywhere.org/blog/4-alternative-syllabus-formats-that-promote-equity/
STRATEGY 14: USE DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION TO ENHANCE SUCCESFUL LEARNING OF NEW CONTENT
DEFINITION: Using a variety of teaching methods and content to teach students and help them meet desired learning goals.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Using lecture to teach clinical documentation, using games to learn about music therapy theorists and history, using a flipped classroom to learn about clinical approaches, standards of practice, and ethics.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Differentiated instruction: https://www.learninga-z.com/site/company/what-we-do/differentiated-instruction
20 differentiated instruction strategies: https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/differentiated-instruction-strategies-examples-download
What is differentiated instruction: https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/differentiated-instruction/articles/what-differentiated-instruction
Differentiated learning and technology: https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/differentiated-learning-and-technology-a-powerful-combination
STRATEGY 15: USE ASSISTED LEARNING TO SCAFFOLD COMPLEX LEARNING
DEFINITION: Taking smaller, incremental steps to achieve a larger learning goal, where students are given support throughout and allowed to do more and more throughout the process.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Writing clinical documentation in a practicum class: Start small with introducing literature review by reading one or two examples together, then writing one collectively as a class, and then practicing writing for a fake client, then finally writing for their own client. Process can be repeated for assessment, session planning, note writing, termination, etc.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Article (scaffolding complex learning): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/220041136_Scaffolding_Complex_Learning_The_Mechanisms_of_Structuring_and_Problematizing_Student_Work
Article (tools for scaffolding complex learning): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261619027_Tools_for_Scaffolding_Students_in_a_Complex_Learning_Environment_What_Have_We_Gained_and_What_Have_We_Missed
6 scaffolding strategies: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/scaffolding-lessons-six-strategies-rebecca-alber
Instructional scaffolding to improve learning: https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/instructional-scaffolding-to-improve-learning.shtml
STRATEGY 16: PROMOTE LEARNERS’ PERSONAL CONTROL OF LEARNING
DEFINITION: Giving students options to make their learning personalized—relevant and interesting to them—the ability to control what and when they learn.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Setting personal learning goals at the beginning of a course or school year.
Students can choose how they wish to demonstrate their knowledge of information: can choose a presentation, an interactive experience, a role play or simulation, a written paper. etc.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Tips to promote independent learning: https://articles.unishanoi.org/how-to-encourage-independent-learning/#:~:text=Allow%20the%20learner%20to%20have%20some%20input%20and%20influence%20over,strengths%20and%20areas%20for%20development.
Empower students to take control: https://elearningindustry.com/how-to-empower-students-to-take-control-of-their-learning
Developing responsible and autonomous learners: https://www.apa.org/education-career/k12/learners
Empowering learners strategies: https://educationandtrainingacademy.co.uk/empowering-learners-strategies-for-involving-students-in-managing-their-learning-and-development/
STRATEGY 17: PROMOTE A GROWTH MIND-SET BY HELPING LEARNERS BELIEVE THEY CAN IMPROVE THROUGH ENHANCING THEIR CAPABILITY, EFFORT, AND KNOWLEDGE
DEFINITION: Students are their to learn, but since they do not know everything, mistakes will likely be made. This is a way to learn and grow from mistakes through supportive and thoughtful feedback from peers and teacher.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Take away emphasis on grades, and give students opportunities to try again on assignments after recieving feedback. Can be used with clinical documentation, for example, or research papers.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
How to foster a growth mindset: https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/growth-mindset-in-the-classroom/
10 ways to instill growth mindset: https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/growth-mindset-in-students
Growth mindset strategies: https://www.secondstep.org/blog/growth-mindset-strategies
Embracing growth mindset: https://www.beanstack.com/blog/why-embracing-a-growth-mindset-is-important-for-students
STRATEGY 19: USE RELEVANT MODELS TO DEMONSTRATE EXPECTED LEARNING
DEFINITION: Using examples to give students ideas for quality, effort, and information that is expected for a project or assignment.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Using both well written and poorly written exmaples of session plans or clinical documentation to help students learn what standard theirs should emulate.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Modeling is more than demonstrating: https://educatech.wordpress.com/2011/02/10/modeling-is-so-much-more-than-demonstrating/
Article (open learner model): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666920X22000248
Effective use of modeling: https://scaffoldtype.com/modelling-and-demonstration-in-teaching/
Empowering students with the 5E model: https://lesley.edu/article/empowering-students-the-5e-model-explained
STRATEGY 20: ENCOURAGE LEARNERS
DEFINITION: Use of various tools and strategies to celebrate learners strengths and support their individual areas of need.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Be excited for students accomplishments and show them their own success by comparing their first clinical documentation to their newest.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Phrases and actions to support and encourage students: https://amshq.org/blog/community-feature/2024-07-15-20-phrases-and-actions-to-support-and-encourage-students/
Video (ways to motivate students): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxwra_JUNuE
Way to make students feel encouraged: https://www.risevision.com/blog/13-ways-to-make-students-feel-encouraged
STRATEGY 21: MAKE THE CRITERIA OF ASSESSMENT AS FAIR AND CLEAR AS POSSIBLE
DEFINITION: Consider and explain your mode of assessment, such as grades, pass/fail, etc., and share a clear rubric that will be used to assess assignments within the class.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Use a detailed rubric that outlines expected aspects of a research paper, including a strong and clear definitions, writing, etc., and explaining in the rubric what each of the assessment scores mean, from highest assessment score to lowest assessment score.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Ways to ensure assessment is fair: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/network/education/instructors/teaching-strategies/6-ways-to-ensure-your-assessment-practices-are-fair-and-unbiased
Guide for fair assessments: https://www.sainaptic.com/post/creating-confidence-a-6-step-guide-for-fair-assessments
Making assessments more equitable: https://teaching.pitt.edu/resources/making-your-assessments-more-equitable/
Develop assessment criteria and rubrics: https://ctl.gatech.edu/step-4-develop-assessment-criteria-and-rubrics
STRATEGY 22: HELP LEARNERS UNDERSTAND AND PLAN FOR THE AMOUNT OF TIME NEEDED FOR SUCCESSFUL LEARNING
DEFINITION: Communicate with learners how long an assignment is expected to take, an estimate of how much time they will spend on out-of-class assignments each week, and give advanced notice of larger projects.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
In practicing writing research, explain how long each segment of a research paper should take, or how long the whole paper will take. Can also specify how long observations should take, and how long an accompanying writing assignment should take after each observation.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Time management tips for students: https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/8-time-management-tips-for-students/
How to maximise student time: https://connex-education.com/how-to-maximise-student-learning-time/
Developing time management skills: https://proactiveapproaches.co.uk/developing-time-management-skills-strategies-for-teachers-and-students/
STRATEGY 23: USE GOAL-SETTING METHODS
DEFINITION: An individualized approach for students to express their personal learning expectations that can be assessed throughout the length of a course. Goals should be achievable, measurable, and desirable. It is recomended that students come up with a plan for focus, how to deal with obstacles, and should be able to identify resources that support achieving their goal.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
For a skills development course, students write personal goals for the personal skills they hope to develop over the course of a semester, such as singing in key, learning a new accompaniment pattern, trying 3 new types of interventions, etc.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
What to know about student goal setting: https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/ms-in-education/resource/what-teachers-should-know-about-student-goal-setting
Video (SMART goals): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0QfCZjASX8
Guiding students to set academic goals: https://www.edutopia.org/article/guiding-students-set-academic-goals/
Step-by-step guide to goal setting: https://www.oxfordscholastica.com/blog/university-preparation-articles/goal-setting-for-students-a-step-by-step-guide/
STRATEGY 26: MAKE THE LEARNING ACTIVITY AND IRRESISTIBLE INVITATION TO LEARN
DEFINITION: Making an engaging and fun lesson for a new class, topic, etc., to peak interest and encourage students to want to engage with content.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Start a skills development or practicum course with a drum circle, lyric discussion, guided relaxation, or some type of intervention, to not only model the intervention and allow students to experience it, but to engage them in a new and different way.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Article (invitations to learn): https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/invitations-to-learn
Ways to make learning irrisitible: https://www.davidgeurin.com/2016/02/9-proven-ways-to-make-learning.html
How to make classroom inviting for all learners: https://www.appliedcoaching.org/post/make-your-class-inviting-for-all-inclusive-classroom-strategies
STRATEGY 27: USE THE K-W-L STRATEGY TO INTRODUCE NEW TOPICS AND CONCEPTS
DEFINITION: Use as a way to discover what students already know. Learners identify what they already know about a certain topic, what they hope or want to learn, and finally, what they have actually learned at the end of the lesson.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
In a class covering clinical approaches to music therapy, students can start by sharing what they know about the humanistic aproach, for example, then they can share what they hope to know about it. By the end of class, after covering the content, students can summariaze the content by sharing what they know about the humanistic approach.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Video (how to create KWL chart): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2d6HBly3ao
KWL chart and learning strategies: https://www.thinkific.com/blog/kwl-chart-teaching-learning-strategy/#:~:text=To%20use%20a%20KWL%20Chart,they%20learned%20(L%3A%20Learn)
KWL charts teaching strategies: https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/k-w-l-charts
STRATEGY 28: PROVIDE FREQUENT RESPONSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL LEARNERS
DEFINITION: A way for learners to participate publicly, which requires them to pay attention to content, where learners are given time to ask questions, discuss, or share about content and relevant information.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Use of open ended questions: what questions do you have for me? Who has a similar experience? Why do you think that? What do we know? etc. Can also use silences to allow students to think and build the courage to respond.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Opportunities to respond: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/bi2-elem/cresource/q1/p06/
Increasing opportunities to respond: https://classroomcheckup.org/increasing-opportunities-to-respond/
Article (opportunities to respond): https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/PCMS/Practice6_2024_SWPBS_PCMSGuide.pdf
STRATEGY 30: PROVIDE VARIETY IN PERSONAL PRESENTATION STYLE, PROCESSES OF INSTRUCTION, AND LEARNING MATERIALS
DEFINITION: Chaning the way things are presented in order to increase attention and motivation. This can be done by using a variety of methods within one class or changing from class to class or every few classes. Be careful not to change too much and distract from the actual learning.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Using games like Kahoot, jeopardy, or a matching game instead of tests or quizzes or lecture.
Starting class with a discussion, rather than a lecture.
Taking class outside if the weather is nice, or maybe somewhere else on campus.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Presenting material in multiple ways: https://instructionalmoves.gse.harvard.edu/presenting-material-multiple-ways
Variety in content presentation: https://www.unb.ca/fredericton/cetl/services/teaching-tips/instructional-methods/variety-in-content-presentation.html
Innovative teaching methods: https://piogroup.net/blog/20-innovative-teaching-methods-with-examples-how-to-implement-in-education-process
Find more ideas on the Teaching Strategies page
STRATEGY 31: INTRODUCE, CONNECT, AND END LEARNING ACTIVITIES ATTRACTIVELY AND CLEARLY
DEFINITION: A way to start and end a class that prepares and primes students for learning and effectly transitions them to rejoin the day at the end of class time. The use of provacative questions, calling on learners, using ancitipation, and relating content to life experience and events, using orginization, chunking information, idenfity how things relate with clear ad easy transitions, use clear and descriptive instructions, regularly check in with student to see if they understand, review newly learned content at the end, leave time for questions and clarification, ask for feedback and opinions, and being aware of natural closings, are all great ways to introduce, connect, and close a lesson.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Play some music for students while they enter class, go through the day’s agenda, follow the agenda, and close with time for questions and music for leaving class.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Effective opening and closing routines: https://www.edutopia.org/article/14-effective-opening-and-closing-routines-for-teachers/
Video (activities to end a lesson): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEygLXC3QcY
Wrap up activities for lesson closure: https://www.teachstarter.com/gb/blog/8-fun-effective-lesson-closures-us/
Activities to add to beginning, middle, ad end of lesson: https://learningandteaching-navitas.com/activities-beginning-middle-end-lesson-plan/
STRATEGY 32: SELECTIVELY USE BREAKS, SETTLING TIME, AND PHYSICAL EXERCISES
DEFINITION: Using down time in class to allowstudent sto process and absorb what has been taught and discussed. A break can be used to stretch, move, use the restroom, eat a snack, or be used for whatever students need to refocus and recharge for further learning.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Sometimes classes can be long, so after 50-minutes (or so), schedule in a break for students. Provide ideas for how to use the break, but ultimately allow students to use it however they need to.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Article (classroom activity breaks): https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02701367.2021.1980189
Physical activity ideas and tips: https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-education/media/pdfs/Classroom_PA_Ideas_and_Tips_FINAL_201008.pdf
Ways to incorporate physical activity into lessons: https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/incorporating-physical-activity-in-lessons/?lang=can
Brain breaks: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/evidence-based-behavior-strategy-brain-breaks
STRATEGY 33: RELATE LEARNING TO ADULTS’ INTERESTS, CONCERNS, AND VALUES
DEFINITION: Using examples, analogies, supporting evidence, and other means to make course content relevant by relating it to the already established values, concerns, and interests of students.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Be transparent about ethical issues within the field of music therapy and what to be aware of, such as systemic racism that has existed within some music therapy literature and is currently trying to be handled, and share ways in which the music therapy field is striving to erradicate any furthering of racism and the steps being taken to ensure the integrity of all humans within research, education, literature, clinical practice, etc.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Simple principles of adult learning: https://www.wgu.edu/blog/adult-learning-theories-principles2004.html
Educational strategies to accomodate adult learners: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/educational-strategies-accommodate-adult-learners-learner-nour-negm-dy4pf
Connecting to students’ interests can deepen learning: https://www.k12dive.com/news/curriculum-deepen-learning-engagement-student-interests/690410/
STRATEGY 34: CLEARLY STATE OR DEMONSTRATE THE BENEFITS OF A LEARNING ACTIVITY
DEFINITION: Giving a deeper explanation of why an activity/assignment was chosen and why and how it benefits the learner. “Why are we actually doing this?” “What’s the purpose?”
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
At the beginning of each class, one student will song-lead for the rest of students. Student can choose how and what to sing, then afterwards, the other students and teacher will give feedback that discusses botht the strengths and areas of need for the student’s song-leading. At the beginning of the semester, explain to students that this activity is being used to foster independece, creativity, autonomy, and self-confidence. It also allows students to practice in real time before working with clients. Additionally, students who give feedback can learn from watching other students, and are increasing critical thinking and clinical skills as they observe, participate, and offer feedback.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Learning outcomes: https://www.valamis.com/hub/learning-outcomes
Video (explaining learning objectives): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=352jPhzFGcY
Article (explain learning objectives): https://www.edresearch.edu.au/sites/default/files/2024-02/explain-learning-objectives-aa.pdf
STRATEGY 35: WHILE INSTRUCTING, USE HUMOR LIBERALLY
DEFINITION: Humor is both interesting and engaging, which can support learning, and indicates an atmosphere of safety and acceptance, increased comradery, sponteneity, and self-image. Jokes, personal stories, anecdotes, or improvs can serve as ways to include humor.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Use GIFS and memes in lectures, share funny personal and clinical experiences, and choose humorous textbooks and materials.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Ways laughter can make students soar: https://keepemthinking.com/2015/01/humor-in-the-classroom/
Benefits of humor in the classroom: https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/free-spirit-publishing/blog/top-10-benefits-of-humor-in-the-classroom?srsltid=AfmBOopmqUR-ALaXgzXKjy7emihUoWOTOYmexG_rLMS9u6KFCtIIN14s
Video (tips for using humor in the classroom): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNAb-D9RNMU
For more, visit the Humor section on the Teaching Strategies page
STRATEGY 36: USE EXAMPLES, ANALOGIES, METAPHORS, AND STORIES
DEFINITION: A way to stimulate thinking and ensure that students are understanding content through the use of relating, storytelling, and various types of examples, whether real or made up, to teach a certain topic or goal.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Provide two examples about two students who were each leading sessions on their own for the first time. One student took steps to practice and prepare, while another student decided to wing it. Go in depth with this anaology to help students learn the importance of being prepared, not only for sessions, but in other areas of life as well.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Video (the art of teaching with stories, metaphors, and examples): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfqh2Asht2A
How to use: https://schoolrubric.org/show/how-to-use-examples-analogies-similes-and-metaphors-when-writing-your-essay/
Learning science behind metaphors: https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-analogies-teaching/
For more, go to the Metaphors section of the Teaching Strategies page.
STRATEGY 37: INVITE LEARNERS TO ANTICIPATE AND PREDICT
DEFINITION: Ancitipating and predicting are a part of human nature and the need to survive. Asking questions before a lesson is one way to invite students to guess what will happen next, what will be learned. Providing regular structure to classes is another way for students to get a meaning for what to expect with each lesson, such as filling out the reading guide on each week’s assigned chapter.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Every class can start with the same activity, either song-leading or intervention-sharing.
Students will also be asked to fill out a reading guide each week for assigned readings.
Ask students what they think will be learned in class that day.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Anticipation guide: https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/classroom-strategies/anticipation-guide
Predicting: https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/teaching-stem/predicting
Article (predicting as a learning strategy): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8642250/
STRATEGY 38: USE CONCEPT MAPS TO DEVELOP INTEREST AND DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING OF IDEAS AND INFORMATION
DEFINITION: Graphic diagrams that are used to organize and represent relations between thoughts, ideas, content, life, etc.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Students can create a concept map of the various approaches to music therapy and how they coincide with the history and progression of music therapy and psychology throughout the years.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Concept mapping: https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/concept-maps/#:~:text=Concept%20maps%20are%20a%20powerful,and%20retain%20it%20better%2C%20too.
Concept maps: https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/classroom-strategies/concept-maps
How to use concept mapping for deeper learning: https://www.inspiration-at.com/how-to-use-concept-mapping-to-nurture-deeper-learning/
Benefits of mind mapping: https://tlconestoga.ca/concept-and-mind-mapping/
Article (concept maps as dynamic tools): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362104002_Concept_maps_as_dynamic_tools_to_increase_students'_understanding_of_knowledge_and_creative_thinking
For more, go to Concept Maps on the Teaching Strategies page.
STRATEGY 39: USE CRITICAL QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE LEARNERS IN CHALLENGING REFLECION AND DISCUSSION
DEFINITION: Encouraging students to engage and develop their critical thinking skills to answer complex questions in a thoughtful and informative method. A way to thin deeper about a topic, perspectives surrounding a topic, and to develop personal thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about topics through questions, writing, reflection, discussion, etc.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Use open ended questions to get started, such as “why do we need ethics in music therapy?” “How can ethics help or hinder our practice?” “Are all ethics necessary, why or why not?”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Questioning strategies to engage students: https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/questioning-strategies-to-engage-students.shtml
Article (best practice strategies for effective use of questions as a teaching tool): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3776909/
Using reflections and questions to engage: https://telrp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41039-019-0098-z
Critical reflection: https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/catalogs/tip-sheets/critical-reflection
For more, go to Writing & Reflection and Brainstorming & Discussion on Teaching Strategies page.
STRATEGY 41: USE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING TO DEEPEN UNDERSTANDING AND TO ENGAGE CHALLENGING, AUTHENTIC TOPICS
DEFINITION: A way to build on the curiosity and interest of students to develop specific skills and knowledge through the use of authentic research processes and critical thinking.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Student can create their own research project that include observations, writing, reviewing existing literature, and practicing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
What is project based learning: https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl
Authentic project based learning: https://newtechnetwork.org/resources/authentic-pbl/
Examples and benefits: https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/project-based-learning
How PBL helps students engage with the world: https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-pbl-helps-students-engage-world-around-them/
For more, go to Project-Based Learning section on the Teaching Strategies page.
STRATEGY 43: USE ROLE-PLAYING TO EMBODY NEW LEARNING WITHIN A MORE REALISTIC AND DYNAMIC CONTEXT
DEFINITION: Acting out a possible situation for the purposes of learning something specific.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Having students role play certain client-therapist situations, such as a client who is uncooperative, a client who is lethargic and apathetic, etc. One student acts as therapist while the other acts as client. *Do not role play as certain diagnoses, as that is disrespectful to those individuals with those diagnoses.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Transformative role play: https://nordiclarp.org/2019/12/10/transformative-role-play-design-implementation-and-integration/
Role playing as a learning strategy: https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/PDF-FFRolePlaying.pdf
Role play educational technique: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/roleplay-educational-technique-adult-learning-theories-moussa-rslzc
For more, check our Role Play section of Teaching Strategies page.
STRATEGY 44: USE SIMULATIONS AND GAMES TO EMBODY THE LEARNING OF MULTIPLE CONCEPTS AND SKILLS THAT REQUIRE A REAL-LIFE CONTEXT AND PRACTICE
DEFINITION: Creating prescribed scenarios to encourage learning of a specific topic or outcome, or using games that will teach real life skills.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Using an adapted version of family feud to help students develop the language and quick response skills to accurately be able to answer questions about music therapy, such as: what places can music therapists be found?; what types of classes are music therapists required to take?; what is a quick way to describe music therapy?. These all offer a chance for students to answer the inevitable questions that patients, families, and passersby always ask (also quite commonly asked in the elevator when there is only a very brief amount of time to answer).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
real-world examples of game based learning: https://teachfind.com/interactive-game-based-learning/level-up-learning-real-world-examples-of-game-based-learning-in-action/
Article (games and simulations): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/246285983_Games_and_simulations_and_their_relationships_to_learning
Article (authentic learning experiences through play): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221217467_Authentic_Learning_Experiences_Through_Play_Games_Simulations_and_the_Construction_of_Knowledge
For more, check out Simulations section on the Teaching Strategies page.
STRATEGY45: USE VISITS, INTERNSHIPS, AND SERVICE LEARNING TO RAISE AWARENESS, PROVIDE PRACTICE, AND EMBODY NEW CONCEPTS AND SKILLS IN AUTHENTIC SETTINGS
DEFINITION: Students have the opportunity to practice what they have learned in real-life settings.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Observations of working music therapists
Music therapy practicum classes
Internship
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Article (integrating academics and active learning in the world): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265192277_International_Service-Learning_Integrating_Academics_and_Active_Learning_in_the_World
Role of internships and practical experience: https://uniboardhub.com/blog-detail.php?post=the-role-of-internships-and-practical-experience-in-education
Practical guide for work-integrated learning: https://heqco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HEQCO_WIL_Guide_ENG_ACC.pdf
STRATEGY46: USE INTERVENTION, ARTISTRY, IMAGINATION, AND ENACTMENT TO RENDER DEEPER MEANING AND EMOTION IN LEARNING
DEFINITION: Expressing oneself and their thoughts, understanding, and personal expression of a topic, subject, item, etc., through the creation of something, such as art, poetry, etc.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Students can express what music therapy means to them by creating something and presenting it to the class. Could be something painted, drawn sculted, or something like music, poetry, film, or even a demonstration such as making slime, planting seeds, dancing, etc. It should be something unique and original, and it should embody their personal definition of music therapy and the student should be able to identify and eplain how and why.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Article (emotions and learning in arts-based practices of educational innovation): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283675143_Emotions_and_Learning_in_Arts-Based_Practices_of_Educational_Innovation
Nurturing our creative potential: https://fundacionbotin.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2014-Informe-Creatividad-EN-3.pdf
Multi modal adult learning: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1425252.pdf
STRATEGY 47: PROVIDE EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK
DEFINITION: Give notes and feedback that are conducive to learning and growth, that not only help students learn from their mistakes, but also build upon and celebrates their strengths. Feeback is what students receive regarding the quality of their work. With effective feedback, students learn where they struggled and walk away with recomendations and ideas baout how to change, improve, or get better.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Using clear and concise language that aknowledges what the student has done really well, and highlights what could use improvement or changes. Clinical documentation and research are both taboo and difficult topics, but very relevant to the field of music therapy. While students partake in these assignments, effective feedback can help strengthen their skills in these areas.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Tips for effective feedback: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/tips-providing-students-meaningful-feedback-marianne-stenger
Feedback practices and strategies: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/teacher-quality-and-accreditation/strong-start-great-teachers/refining-practice/feedback-to-students/feedback-practices-and-strategies
Reframing feedback to improve teaching and learning: https://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/research-evidence/spotlight/feedback.pdf?sfvrsn=cb2eec3c_14
How to give feedback: https://tll.mit.edu/teaching-resources/assess-learning/how-to-give-feedback/
STRATEGY 49: PROMOTE EQUITY IN ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
DEFINITION: Giving students a fair chance to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a topic with special attention to eliminating personal bias from the educator.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Work with students to provide all means necessary to support their learning, such as making documents e-reader accessible, adding closed-captions to lectures or hand-outs of lecture notes during in-person lectures.
Providing extra time when needed on assignments and tests.
Clear, understandingable instructions.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Powerful ways to promote equity in the classroom: https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/equity-in-the-classroom
Equity and assessment: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/news-press/equity-and-assessment
Ways to make assessments more equitable: https://www.greatschoolspartnership.org/4-ways-to-make-assessments-more-equitable/
Making assessments more equitable: https://teaching.pitt.edu/resources/making-your-assessments-more-equitable/
Equity in assessment: https://wp.stolaf.edu/iea/equity-in-assessment/
STRATEGY 53: USE SELF-ASSESSMENT METHODS TO PROVIDE INSIGHTS AND DEEPEN LEARNING
DEFINITION: To help learners develop a comprehensive understanding of themselves as both learners and participants within the world, self assessment methods can be used to help learners compare their pre-learning and post-learning selves.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Students write semesterly goals at the beginning of the course, and review and reflect on them at the end of the course.
Students take the final exam in the first week of school to understand and identify what they already know, then take the same test at the end of the semester to see what has changed.
Students wrtie reflections in a weekly journal assignment throughout the length of the course.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Self-assessment strategies for students: https://hthgse.edu/self-assessment-strategies-for-students/
Peer and self assessment for students: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/professional-learning/teacher-quality-and-accreditation/strong-start-great-teachers/refining-practice/peer-and-self-assessment-for-students
Benefits of self-assessment: https://www.teachfloor.com/blog/self-assessment-in-learning
How to design and use self-assessment: https://www.notion4teachers.com/blog/how-to-design-use-self-assessment-tools-students
STRATEGY 54: USE GRADING PRACTICES THAT ENHANCE LEARNER MOTIVATION
DEFINITION: Grading plays a major role in how learners study and perform throughout a course. Consider how a student arrives at a grade and the practices that encourage and foster learner motivation. Number system, average all scores, high-stakes assignments, limit grades to certain assignments, use a detailed rubric criterion, relate grades to learning goals, use summative and/or integrative assessments, offer chances to try assignments again for a better grade, etc. — all are examples of different grading practices.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Give all students two chances to receive the best grade. After receiving feedback on their first attempt, a second attempt can be sumbitted with no impact to grade, other than increasing a previous score.
Try using an EMRN grading system.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
The grading game: https://medium.com/educreation/the-grading-game-how-grades-mess-with-student-motivation-959607f16256
Enhancing student success through effective grading: https://qilt.qu.edu/knowledge-resources-learnings-posts/enhancing-student-success-through-effective-grading-and-feedback-in-the-lms
The best way to use grades to motivate students: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-the-best-way-to-use-grades-for-motivating-students/2022/06
Empowering students through un-grading: https://www.scholarlyteacher.com/post/empowering-your-students-agency-through-ungrading-practices
Article (the role of grades in motivating studets): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042812056236/pdf?md5=d86192e3ae0803ce6060b19f9eec157d&pid=1-s2.0-S1877042812056236-main.pdf
STRATEGY 55: FOSTER INTENTION AND CAPACITY TO TRANSFER LEARNING
DEFINITION: Taking what you learn and applying it appropriately or adapting it to fit a situation in the work place or other aspects of life outside of the classroom.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Intervention-sharing in the classroom, where students demonstrate an intervention for the class to test out how it might work in a real-life situation with a client. However, classmates are instructed to add certain aspects to challenge the student music therapist to be quick on their feet, be adaptable and flexible, and how they work under pressure. This can transfer, not only to clinical situations, but has real-world applications of how to stay calm when under great stress.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Ways to help students transfer learning to new contexts: https://kpcrossacademy.ua.edu/6-ways-to-help-students-transfer-learning-to-new-contexts/
Article (learning, intention to transfer): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262077073_Learning_intention_to_transfer_and_transfer_in_executive_education
Strategies to promote learning transfer: https://www.guroolearning.com/blog/5-strategies-to-promote-learning-transfer-in-the-workplace
Article (teaching for transfer): https://www.routledge.com/Teaching-for-Transfer-Fostering-Generalization-in-Learning/McKeough-Lupart-Marini/p/book/9781138996786?srsltid=AfmBOoqU4kOvzLZpb3rATLPmQQYBR2T4SYVlvof7nOPkhnV-LykRFU6I
STRATEGY 56: WHEN NECESSARY, USE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
DEFINITION: A type of feedback that highlights a students mistakes, errors, gaps in learning, and areas of need. However, it is not used to be mean, condescending, or anything of the like, but instead to promote growth in the student and encourage them to develop their skills in a certain area.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
In a practicum course, observe a student lead a session on their own with a real-life client. Use constructive criticism to inform the student what areas need more practice, such as singing in key or keeping a steady beat. Elaborate on the feedback to help the student understand why it was commented on and how paying attention to that area can help them improve as a clinician.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Using constructive criticism: https://www.handyhandouts.com/viewHandout.aspx?hh_number=341&nfp_title=Using
Video (how to give constructive criticism): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP1ww_1AJzI
Positive constructive criticism: https://www.totallyteach.com/blog/how-teachers-can-give-positive-constructive-criticism-to-students
STRATEGY 57: EFFECTIVELY PRAISE AND REWARD LEARNING
DEFINITION: A type of response from an educator that illicits approval and/or admiration for effort and quality in work. Praise should be well-earned, not necessarily given freely or often or not. It should also be specific. Praise and reward can either be verbal or construed through grades, but can also include other items, such as a homework pass or a gift card.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
If a student write a really strong research paper, verbal prasie can be given. Can also ask student to use their work as an example of stellar work for future students.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
The power of effective praise: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/effective-praise-guide-for-teachers
How to give effective praise: https://smartclassroommanagement.com/2019/11/02/how-to-give-effective-praise-6-guidelines/
Article (using praise and award effectively): https://www.redclayschools.com/cms/lib/DE01903704/Centricity/Domain/2062/Using%20Praise%20and%20Rewards%20Wisely.pdf
Making sure your praise is effective: https://www.edutopia.org/article/making-sure-your-praise-effective/
STRATEGY 60: PROVIDE POSITIVE CLOSURE AT THE END OF SIGNIFICANT UNITS OF LEARNING
DEFINITION: Celebrations, aknowledgments, and sharing ar some examples of how to provide positive closure, which allows students to feel validated in their learning, epmhasizes their experiences, aknowledges competence and understanding, increases community and comradery, and encourages positive feelings of self-worth and accomplishment.
HOW TO USE IN TEACHING MUSIC THERAPY:
Students give final presentations on their clinical experiences from a practicum class.
Teach brings in treats (cookies, snacks, candy, etc.) for people to eat and decorations to celebrate and aknowledge students’ accomplishments.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Article (lesson closure): https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/trtr.1587
Meaningful ways to provide closure: https://www.kirstenskaboodle.com/meaningful-ways-to-provide-closure-at-the-end-of-the-school-year/?srsltid=AfmBOooW3U0t5iHPzEdIn0FNfAXp8TJi_h-_AQ9xyyaeE9_Iicv8qDVN
Closure: https://www.naesp.org/resource/closure-the-case-for-engaging-end-of-year-activities/
Wrap up activities for closure: https://www.teachstarter.com/us/blog/8-fun-effective-lesson-closures-us/
References
Wlodkowski, R. J. & Ginsberg, M. B. (2017). Enhancing adult motivation to learn a comprehensive guide for teaching all adults (4th Ed.). Jossey-Bass A Wiley Brand. DOI: https://lccn.loc.gov/2017026364