MUED 376: Choral Music, Materials & Techniques (M2 & T)

Direct Instruction: Self-Assessment

Instructions: Select a 4 - 7 minute clip from one of your practicum teaching rehearsals
and review your direct instruction through answering the following questions. Please
write 3- 7 sentence answers for each question. Be thorough and specific.

VMRC Day 1

1. Had I written out my script in a direct instruction model? Would it have helped
my lesson delivery and success if I had done so?

I had written out my script in a D.I. model. We strayed from it a good bit as
Dr. V helped move the lesson along. It actually felt more natural this way, as
I didnt feel completely comfortable reading from a script. However, writing
it out beforehand did help me feel organized and go into the lesson with a
clear plan and sequence of activities, so it did add to the success of the lesson.

2. What was my ratio of 1, 2 and 3s?

The most frequent of these found in this video was many 1ds, some of which
were quite long-winded. The ratio of me talking and Dr. V talking was way
more than the choir singing. There was at least a 3:2 ratio of me talking to
them singing, if not more. I will need to cut way down on my talking next
time.

3. Were my students doing lots of 2s the entire time? Were they on task?

I counted eight 2s in the almost 11 minute clip. Eight sounds like a lot, but
thats less than one episode of singing per minute again, way too much
talking. They were on task, but I wouldnt be surprised if they had trouble
staying focused during all of the talking.

4. Did I talk too much between every 2 and back to a 1?

I definitely did talk too much. It wasnt so much that I was taking too long to
get back from a 2 to a 1 I got back to the 1 quickly, but then spent so long
on that 1 before getting back to another 2 that it became less effective. Most
often it was a 2, then Id start in on a 1d, Dr. V would interject with her own
direction, and then I would repeat another direction that was either
reiterating what she had just said or expanding on it. It was a lot of
unnecessary talking.

5. What kind of 3s did I use in this clip? Do I need to improve my use of 3s and if
so, in what way?

I didnt have too many 3s, which was good. I only counted three real 3s in
the video. However, they were all non-specific of me. I need to work more on
coming up with specific feedback, telling them what I liked about what they
 just did, or having suggestions on things to improve. I can write this into my
script to remind myself to be more specific with my feedback.

6. Were there any DI errors in this script?

I dont think there were any big errors, but in looking back at my script,
what I think could be improved is just cutting down on the length of my 1ds.
They probably dont need as much instruction as I think they do. And again,
adding more specific feedback sprinkled in throughout will be helpful.

7. Did I turn any 1os into a 1a?

I actually dont think I had any 1os, so this is N/A.

8. What was the pattern of the best chunk in this teaching sequence? (For
example, 1a, 2p, 1a, 1d, 2v, 1o, 1a , 2p, 3sra)

Towards the end of the lesson, there was a chunk that went 1d, 2p, 3nsra, 1d,
1a, 1d, 2p, Dr. V interjection, 2p. There was a good amount of singing, with
directions from me and Dr. V in between, so it felt a bit more streamlined
than some of the other sections with excess talking and less singing.

9. To summarize, what were the strengths of my Direct Instruction Model in this

lesson?

I think the strength was that I was very thorough in planning out what I
wanted to accomplish. I had clear directions with important things to note
about each line and had very thoroughly prepared. I think my sequencing
was appropriate and I gave them an appropriate amount that they could
handle.

10. To summarize, what were the weaknesses of my Direct Instruction Model in this
lesson?

The biggest weakness was too much talking. My directions were too long and
couldve been more to the point and took away from the choir being able to
sing more. Dr. V also interjected with some good suggestions like Tracey
playing through the piece at first for them to listen, and then trying to hum
it. This would have been helpful in contextualizing the piece for the choir and
I should have thought of that myself.

11. What are my next steps?

The next lesson should include 1ds that are short and to the point, with
minimal unnecessary talking. It should include more singing from the choir.
It should include more specific feedback, put in at strategic place when
appropriate, but not too frequent. I need to tighten up my script and try to
stick to it more during the next lesson to cut down on talking and keep the
progress moving along.