A Reflective Lens: Music Pedagogical Research to Transform Practice | Page 96

Becoming a Reflective Practitioner:
A Music Teacher’s Exploration of Singing Games

to manage their own internal conflicts. They were required
to work with one another in getting the correct rhythm for
the clapping games, and any disagreements or difficulties
faced during the practices were resolved amicably. They
learnt to be more patient with each other and listened
more to their friends’ suggestions.
In one of the lessons, it was observed that Pupil C had
problems interacting with the male pupils. Encouragement
from peers and the teacher helped the pupil to overcome
this problem. By the end of the intervention period, Pupil C
was more open to listening to others and interacting more
with her friends. She even stated in her reflection that she
had made new friends through the music lessons. She noted
that she needed to learn about teamwork. She learnt how to
clap with her friends in order to play the game.
The singing games also provided opportunities for pupils
to exhibit their leadership capabilities. In one of the
lessons, it was observed that Pupil D was able to lead her
team well. She noticed at the beginning of the session that
her peers in her group were not able to sing and clap to
the song “Four White Horses”. She got her group to stop
playing the game and concentrated on getting the group
to sing the song accurately first before leading them to
the clap. She also gave suggestions to change the seating
position so as to better facilitate the group clapping.
Another child, Pupil E, organised the group discussion
by allowing each member to provide input on how the
clapping game could be conducted. She listened to each
member before providing her input.
Through observations and the pupils’ reflection, it was
noted that a number of the pupils had gained greater selfconfidence and self-esteem. They were more confident in
providing their input and responded to the lessons better.
The pupils mentioned in their reflection that they enjoyed
the music lessons, and had fun playing the singing games
and learning the new songs.
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