Reflection Questions

How do you understand the concept of sensemaking in relation to your teachig practice?

Sensemaking is the process that students go through to make sense of their world. Through this process students access prior knowledge, generate initial ideas, gather evidence, explain and/or model their ideas and build consensus with the class.

What is something that you’ve learned about your students (and their funds of knowledge) that has influenced your class projects or class structures?

I’ve learned that my orchestra students bring a wide range of musical and cultural experiences—such as family musical traditions, self-taught skills, and exposure to different genres—that enrich our ensemble. Many also draw on non-musical strengths like teamwork, discipline, and creativity from activities outside of orchestra. These funds of knowledge have led me to incorporate more student choice in projects, such as chamber groups or arranging assignments, that allow them to express their musical identities. I’ve also built in more peer-led learning through sectionals and collaborative rehearsal strategies. Overall, understanding what students bring has helped me create a more inclusive and meaningful orchestra environment.

How have you investigated your teacher inquiry questions thus far? 

So far, I’ve investigated my teacher inquiry question—How do we celebrate our similarities and differences?—by observing student interactions, gathering their perspectives through informal discussions, and incorporating activities that highlight personal and cultural identities. I’ve also tried small classroom routines, like reflection prompts and group sharing, to see how students respond to opportunities to learn about one another. These steps have helped me understand what makes students feel seen and valued. It’s important to respect and celebrate differences because doing so builds a safe, inclusive community where students feel they belong. When students recognize both what they share and what makes them unique, they become more empathetic, confident, and connected to one another.

Class documentation: 

**IMPORTANT: Make sure to describe all photos in detail-- What are students doing?  What are they learning? How are they engaging in sensemaking? How are they exploring their inquiries?**

Reflection Questions

Class documentation