FREE ESSAY ON MODEL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

MODEL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Although resources are not the most important part of education, there are several
components that help to develop an environment in which music flourishes. Like any other
classroom, a music classroom should be equipped with basics such as a chalkboard and
desks. The best chalkboards include sections that are lined with the lines of a musical
staff. It is also desirable to have a room large enough to allow activities that include
movement. It is important that the teacher has access to instruments to be used in
teaching. It is standard teaching procedure that general music students learn to play the
recorder in the fourth grade. In order to complete this lesson, the teacher must be able
to equip each student with a quality recorder to use for the duration of the lesson. It
is not favorable to share instruments because valuable time is wasted in changing
mouthpieces and sanitizing the recorder. 
Orff methodology, a popular technique for teaching music to children, is based on the use
of "Orff instruments." These instruments are typically types of barred percussion
instruments like the xylophone. This methodology is highly effective because it produces
quick results, but the classroom must be equipped with the appropriate Orff instruments
in order for the exercises to be successful. In recent years, technological advances have
made it easier for young music students to create their own compositions using Orff
methodology and computer notation software such as "Encore." With the resources provided
by a classroom computer, students are able to create a melody using a MIDI keyboard and
the notation software will translate the melody into sheet music. 
An ideal learning environment includes all of these elements. The spacious classroom
pictured has a variety of instruments including a full family of recorders (soprano,
alto, tenor, and bass) as well as a variety of Orff instruments. The classroom computer
and MIDI keyboard create a "composition corner" in which the students can create their
own songs. The teacher is able to share these works off the computer with the class with
the use of a LCD panel. This classroom is an environment in which the students have every
opportunity to learn about music in a "hands-on" type fashion.