STAR-POST (Music) July 2018 STAR-POST (Music) July 2018

Editorial I n this issue of STAR-Post, we take a closer look at how music teachers can make deeper and more meaningful musical connections with students, through discovering what is on their heart and mind. Where does each student stand in his/her journey of musical discovery? What type of music captures our students’ interest and defines their lived experience? What songs speak to their hearts and gives flight to their dreams? What lessons can we curate to allow students to experience the full vitality of musical concepts, and to free their artistic voice? The answer lies in the careful weaving of assessment into our teaching practices, giving us a clearer view of how our students are learning, and how we can teach them better. This issue begins with a sharing by STAR’s OEIR Professor Martin Fautley on assessment in music education and how we reflect on our own classroom practices. We also learn more about the Critical Inquiry journey that some teacher-leaders have taken to broaden their perspectives and think deeper about their teaching processes, to make learning more meaningful for their students. Additionally, we feature the final instalment of the Singapore Teaching Practice model with respect to Assessment and Feedback - setting meaningful assignments that help check for understanding and ways of providing feedback that aid our students’ learning. Our Music Senior Teacher, Mr Shahrin Mahmud also shares his assessment practices in the classroom that encourage the student voice. We are excited to work in close partnership with you to bring pedagogy that is relevant and innovative for your music classroom. Based on the overwhelming response to our recent fully-subscribed Stories We Sing Seminar, we believe you will continue to make a deep and wonderful impact and influence for quality arts teaching in our music lessons. Thank you for taking this PD journey with us. Lee Huan Siak James Deputy Director, Music Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the aRts 3

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