Ohio Wesleyan University
Music Education Program Goals
1. Content Knowledge: Music teachers demonstrate a thorough understanding of content and skill knowledge (creating original music, performing composed music, and descriptive analysis), learning theories, and issues comprising the music teaching profession (mastery of performance, conducting, and rehearsing), including an understanding of cognitive, physical and social development.
2. Planning and Instruction: Music teachers plan and implement effective, developmentally appropriate lessons and curricula based upon principles of content knowledge, skill development, and pedagogy using appropriate materials and strategies to develop students’ critical thinking, problem solving, and performance.
3. Positive Learning Environment: Music teachers create safe, healthy, dynamic, and motivational learning environments that encourage every student to meet standards, develop independence, and become actively involved through trust, risk taking and collaboration.
4. Diverse Learners: Music teachers understand and celebrate the unique nature, abilities, global cultures, and characteristics of all learners, including literacy and second language acquisition, by modifying instruction to allow all students to achieve meaningful musical experiences. They believe in nurturing the musical intelligence of all people to its greatest potential regardless of individual difference or ability.
5. Technology: Music teachers effectively utilize modern media and traditional musical tools to enhance students’ learning and professional growth.
6. Assessment: Music teachers develop and utilize a variety of assessment approaches designed to evaluate student learning and performance, encourage student reflection and self-evaluation, provide specific feedback, and shape future lesson planning and curricula.
7. Collaboration and Outreach: Music teachers foster positive relationships and collaborate with a variety of target groups (e.g., students and families, colleagues, community members) to promote and enhance partnerships within the learning environment.
8. Professional Development: Music teachers continually seek to improve their knowledge base and effectiveness as teachers and make positive contributions to the culture of their profession. They reflect on their teaching, students’ performance, and developments in their field to extend their knowledge and refine their philosophy of music education.
Music is a basic part of being human. Our role as music faculty at OWU is to guide the development of our students' musical minds to their greatest potential thereby fulfilling the wholeness of their humanity and their ability to enrich the lives of others.