Positivity and Education, Part I

Let's talk about positivity and education.

I realized something recently.  I believe, without a doubt, that students should be treated with understanding and respect.  What does this mean?  It my mind, it means not jumping to conclusions.  It means that it should not automatically be assumed that a student is lazy, unmotivated, thoughtless, mean, irresponsible, disorganized, or a variety of other potentially negative descriptors.

Here is what it does mean: I have to take the time to understand that student as a person.  Why were they late to class AGAIN?  Maybe the teacher from their previous class lets them out late, and they worry they will get in trouble if they just leave.  Why would I be upset with them for that?  That is something they can learn to address.  There is not an automatic jump between elementary and middle school, between middle school and high school, between high school and college... they are still learning and still retain certain behaviors from previous experiences.

In what type of situation does it do "good" to yell or reprimand a young adult?  I'm not sure I have found one.  Sure, I have been in situations where I have been stern and have talked about the implications about a behavior, action, word, etc.  But the point is to help the students grow.  Why did they leave that other student out?  Why do they not want to support a student?  Why do they think a warm-up is stupid? (I'm always up for hearing that type of feedback-- because it tells me I haven't explained to them what they are learning from it).

And in the end, if nothing else, I remind myself that my students will remember BOTH what they learned and how they felt.  If I put them in a situation where they feel bad about themselves or angry or defensive, they will remember that.  I would rather have them remember the growth, the learning, the music, the positive support.

Ego Expansion

Yesterday's post was simply a reminder not to let ego get in the way.

I did more reflecting on that today.  "Ego" is more than just conceit.  Ego, by definition, is a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance.  And "ego" can also mean letting ourselves get in the way... perhaps our own ego gets in the way of music, of teaching, or relationships, etc. because we allow ourselves to perceive (or believe) judgements about ourselves that cause us to doubt, to become defensive, to have too much hubris, etc.

This is one reason why I believe it is important to try to be balanced, to understand ourselves.  How can I teach music if I'm not balanced? How can I create music with others if I doubt my own ability or allow myself to twist a well-meaning comment into something negatively monumental?  (I believe some refer to this as "catastrophizing."). The short answer is: it's hard to teach or make music or be a reasonable human being if we allow ourselves to believe that what we have to give is less than what others have to give.

I have downloaded two of Brené Brown's books.  I started reading one, excited about the lessons I'd learn and be able to apply to the psychology of my students.  But as I get into the book, I realize how valuable these books will be for me as their teacher.  Not only because I will use these lessons to better teach my students (which I will do), but also because it will make me a better colleague, a better musician, and a better person to be in relationship with.

I apologize for ending a sentence with a preposition.  I also apologize for any errors in grammar or tenses or plurality.  It's 8:45 PM and I'm so tired, it might as well be 2 in the morning.

Ego

Ego.

Never let it get in the way.

Extensions and MuseScore

When I wrote my dissertation, I also began the creation of multiple editions of Taneyev's choral music.

Then my computer hard drive went wonky.

But never fear-- because I back up my stuff!

So I bought a new computer, transferred all my documents, and cleared off my old computer.

Today I'm attempting to finish two editions so they can be performed in a month and a half.  I am not too worried about time because they are almost done, so I had planned on doing that today.

Except-- the documents are gone.  I can't find them on my computer or my back-up.  Oh wait, I have them on my Google Drive, and they have the correct music score extension, but when I download them to my computer and try to open them in MuseScore, it doesn't work.

This will be okay, but I'm definitely not excited about this.

Update: Through the help of a dear friend, I was able to get the files to open!  The magic of uninstalling and reinstalling MuseScore.