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Be Willing to Listen and Change

August 30, 2012 at 8:14 PM

It’s an interesting irony that in the process of teaching a student how to expand their mind with music a teacher can, in fact, become close-minded. A teacher is expected to have the answers. But in order to be this authority figure, the teacher must be firm in why they teach things a certain way. “This is what you should do and this is why you do it.”

This firmness of opinion is not necessarily a bad thing. Students need that sense of structure to help them move forward. When working with young children, the parents need the reassurance from the teacher that they are making the right decisions.

By constantly being an authority it is easy to forget that you may not actually have all the answers. Equally important is a willingness to listen and change. You may know how to teach the violin but the parent may know their child better than you.

In order for learning to take place there has to be a meeting in the middle ground somewhere. The job of the teacher is not to superimpose their knowledge onto someone else. True learning is a give and take experience.

Rethinking Genius

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I have found that keeping a this is better heres why approach to answers goes along way. At least better than the do or die "because I said so" approach. I think its easy to get into a routine for the teacher. Since every student is unique, every teaching session should be also. I am often saying "this is what works for me, or this is the most efficient way to do that" but always encourage experimentation. Always being encouraging. imo.
I do the same thing. "Here's what I've found but you'll have to see what works for you." But even though I say that I have to watch myself to make sure I am truly open to having new ideas presented.