Logan Kelley- Coyle- Ch 8-9

 Chapter 8:

Summary- The best teachers can focus on exactly what a student’s need is and attune their message exactly to them. They can sense exactly what is happening with the students and rapid fire as many signals to them as they can in a way that they are always pushing them one step past the sweet spot. These teachers don’t talk much, but instead give short, concise instructions. Don’t focus on large improvements. Make small, subtle changes a bit at a time. Master teachers are constantly sending signals of ignition that push students to build skill.

Application- I think that as a teacher I can work on talking less. I need to give quick and concise instructions that are purely informational. It is easy to want to talk and explain, but being able to fire rapid signals will push students the most and give them something to constantly work toward. These teachers seem to be always listening, and I think I will need to have a great deal more focus in order to reach this level. I will focus on giving instruction and feedback as quickly as possible, then always listening for what the next step is.

Chapter 9:

Summary- The best teachers connect the student with exactly what they need. They don’t treat students the same way, but adapt to what will help their specific background be most successful. Find a way to connect them to something bigger, then take the time from the beginning to find out exactly what works for them and what doesn’t. Keep that always in mind while teaching. Be constantly perceptive to the signals the student is sending back to you so that you know when they don’t know. The best way to give most instruction is to say, “Good. Now do ___.” Understand exactly when to push a student and when to support them. Know when to teach for a flexible or a consistent circuit.

Application- The big thing I am gleaning from these chapters is that the best teachers do not waste a single second of time. They are concise, focused, and are constantly sending signals. I think I will try to implement the idea of understanding the student’s background from the beginning, especially regarding what their past ignitions might have been. Are they feeling frustrated or excited about performing? As a music teacher, I need to be more like the Suzuki teachers rather than the soccer coaches mentioned at the end of the chapter.