Dear Mrs. Trio,

Students come from all socioeconomic backgrounds.  No matter what their background is, they all deserve an educational experience centered around giving the students choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning (the COVA learning model).  Through this learning approach, they will become more confident and engaged in their learning processes.  

I want to give students project-based learning experiences through the creation of an innovation station in my music classroom. The innovation station will allow students to experience music in many different forms that they might otherwise never learn about.  Knowledge is power and giving students choice will increase their motivation to learn about new subjects. When spending time in the innovation station within the music classroom, students will choose projects based upon their interests, increasing motivation and student engagement.  It will also help develop skills such as creativity, communication and collaboration with peers, and critical thinking. 

Currently, students are expected to demonstrate their content knowledge through standards-based assessments, performance and assignments.  Participation in music is key to meeting those standards. Students that struggle with confidence and outside issues try not to participate because they do not want to draw attention to themselves.  How might we harness the healing, motivating, and mindful nature of music to build confidence in our students concerning their learning?  

I am proposing the pilot of project-based learning within my Melodeons classroom where students will have opportunities to create through choice and ownership of their work.  They will be able to reflect and make connections in their learning and connect to their community. Some of these projects may include:

• Creating a cover song or parody of song
• Creating a video game/movie soundtrack
• Creating a song based on current issues, such as bullying, kindness and/or personal affirmations
• Creating a song/video based on connections within the community

The class will be sectioned off to include ample time for learning current literature while also giving the students time to collaborate with peers to create their projects.  They will also be able to work on their projects outside of the classroom at specified times. Opportunities to create music will allow the students to build confidence, motivation and creativity while taking control of their learning and exploring how music can impact their lives while still meeting standards.  

The district already has technology in place that will aid in the development of these projects.  I am asking for the use of technology to allow our students to be creative and the support in implementing this plan within my classroom.  I look forward to sharing my findings with the other music educators in the district, learning more about each and every one of our unique students and developing even better relationships with them through this learning opportunity.

Sincerely,

Pauletta Graytok