How self-discovery lesson planning in the music classroom engages student learning
Self-discovery lesson planning in the music classroom is an effective way to engage student learning. It allows students to explore their own interests and develop a sense of ownership over their learning experience. Through self-discovery, students are encouraged to think critically and creatively, as they explore different musical concepts and develop their own understanding of them.
By providing students with the opportunity to explore music in an individualized manner, self-discovery lesson planning can create an engaging and meaningful learning experience for every student.
Self-discovery learning increases student creativity and memory retention. Plus once the prep for the lesson plan is done, it will allow you the teacher to be able to take the role of an observer to monitor students rather than be the one doing most of the work.
Self Discovery Journey – Music Gallery
Take students on a self discovery journey by setting up a music gallery. A music gallery is like visiting an art gallery. You can display several musicians’ pictures and bios around your room and allow students to choose the order for self-discovery.
Musician bios can be a fun and engaging way to introduce students to new music genres and their styles of playing and performing. Students can explore by picking the musicans they want to read and listen to. The gallery can also be used to discuss the cultural and historical context of music.
As the students explore the gallery, they can listen to music by watching videos and reading biographies of the musicians. This will help them gain a better understanding of the musicians and their music. Additionally, the gallery can be used to stimulate creativity and discussion among the students, as they consider how different musicians have influenced each other and how their music has evolved over time.
Tap into technology by posting QR codes next to the biography Students will scan the code with their school device to hear songs from each musician. I like to celebrate Black History Month with musicians from Ragtime, blues, jazz, and rock genres.
Self-Discovery Activities – Digital Google Slides clickable map
Google slides are a great tool to use for self-discovery activities. This is a great way to present information that allows students to make choices. Students can explore and discover music at their own pace and choices by clicking on the area they are most interested in on google slides.
First set up the main slide for the subject you are studying and determine three to four category areas. For example, if you are sharing music cultures around the world, set up a slide for music from China. The main slide can have clickable categories for exploration.
- Chinese Orchestra
- Chinese Opera
- Traditional Chinese Dances
Then create google slides with examples from each category. Students will be able to access different musical instruments, hear their sounds or see specific dances and even learn about the Chinese Opera mask all by linking slides to the category and back to the main slide. The slides will provide students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding and appreciation for traditional Chinese music. Click here to read more about music from China.
Self Discovery Worksheets in Music Centers
Give students choices when setting up music centers by letting students self discovery worksheets to complete. Music worksheets can reinforce learning, and provide practice for concepts like reading notes or building rhythm patterns. Students will self-discover by choosing the music worksheets they are most interested in.
Students can learn about musical notation, note values, time signatures, music symbols, and more when completing music worksheets. By using engaging activities, such as musical word searches, music coloring pages, crossword puzzles, or musical puzzles, students can have fun while learning.
Other activities such as musical memory games, or creating music compositions can help students apply the music theory they have learned and give them an opportunity to express themselves musically.
In Review here are the three music lesson plan ideas you can try to engage student creativity and memory retention through self-discovery.
- Music Gallery
- Linked Google Slides
- Music Centers
