UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES

College of Education
City of Naga

TEACHING MUSIC IN ELEMENTARY GRADES

A Study Guide for BEED Majors

ORLANDO P. MARTICIO
TEACHING MUSIC IN ELEMENTARY GRADES
By: Orlando P. Marticio

Copyright©2020 by Orlando P. Marticio and the University of Nueva Caceres

No part of this course module/study guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any

form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or
any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the
author and the University of Nueva Caceres.

Published in the Philippines by the University of Nueva Caceres

Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs
JH10, JH Bldg., University of Nueva Caceres,
J. Hernandez Ave. Naga City,
Camarines Sur, Philippines

Printed in the Philippines

First printing, 2020
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

COURSE CODE AND TITLE 1

PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR THE COURSE 2
MODULE 1: Music and the Learner 6
Topic 1.1. Music's Role in Curriculum 7
Topic 1.2 Music Definition 8
Topic 1.3 Functions of Music 8

MODULE 2: Fundamentals of Music Notation 12

Topic 2.1 Musical Signs and Symbols 12

Topic 2.2 Elements of Music 18

Topic 2.3 Basic Solfeggio 21
MODULE 3: Essential Theories 25
Topic 3.1 Teaching Methods overview 25
Topic 3.2 Theories to Practice in teaching music to children 26
MODULE 4: Methods in Teaching Music to Children 28
Topic 4.1 Theories Application 29
Topic 4.2 Lesson Planning 30
COURSE CODE AND TITLE: TEACHING MUSIC IN ELEMENTARY GRADES

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a study of basic music principles essential in teaching elementary grades.
It provides discussion and activities to develop music appreciation among learners.

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

The course focuses on principles supporting music as an essential element of learning in
the elementary grades. Music in childhood is being discussed and presented associated
with how music will be taught to children in elementary grades. Methods in teaching
music are being highlighted as a significant part of the process of developing
appreciation among students.

Music fundamentals focusing on elements is being elaborated aiming to develop

competencies among learners in the period given, ending with special skills in using
music as an instrument for learning.

COURSE OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, you should be able to,

1. Identify roles of music in a teaching-learning process

2. Demonstrate technical skills in music notation and instruction.
3. Integrate specialized music teaching methods in facilitating learning
4. Demonstrate mastery in teaching musical principles
5. Describe the role of music in the process of child development.
6. Enumerate essential principles music in facilitating learning
9. Identify essential theories in teaching music
10. Demonstrate pedagogical skills in teaching music to elementary grades.

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PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR THE COURSE
Basic music knowledge in Music Fundamentals is required-

You are also expected to possess skills listed below which are essentials in the delivery
of instructions in the duration of the course.

(1) Basic digital literacy skills are required for studying such as being able to
communicate through email, FB messenger, and video call (these are especially
for students with unstable or zero connectivity at home). For students who have
stable connectivity, one should know the basic skills in downloading and
uploading content material using Google Suite (Google docs, Google Drive,
Google sheets). Students will need this as a basic tool when engaging with their
teachers and groupmates. Students also need to have basic skills in using Google
Hangouts or Zoom as platforms to be used during real-time or synchronous
sessions with their professors and classmates. To facilitate the use of these tools,
it would be advisable for students to create their email accounts.

(2) Good socialization skills are expected from the learners. As the teachers and
students are away from each other, students need to exert extra effort to
establish and maintain quality relationships through one’s communication skills,
collaboration skills, initiative, critical thinking skills, and the like.

(3) Other pre-requisite skills as required by the faculty in the course.

2
COURSE OUTLINE
This course is divided into four modules containing activities that will develop your knowledge
and skills on how music will be taught in elementary grades.

MODULE 1: Multiple Meaning of Music

Topic 1.1. Role of Music to children
Topic 1.2 Music Meaning
Topic 1.3 Functions of Music

MODULE 2: Fundamentals of Music Notation

Topic 2.1 Musical Signs and Symbols
Topic 2.2 Elements of Music
Topic 2.3 Basic Solfeggio

MODULE 3: Music Theories

Topic 3.1 Teaching Methods overview
Topic 3.2 Theories to Practice in teaching music to children

MODULE 4: Methods in Teaching Music to Children

Topic 4.1 Theories Application
Topic 4.2 Lesson Planning

LIST OF RESOURCES:
https://rb.gy/mu8j6e
https://rb.gy/q4rsrc
https://rb.gy/1zoi1w

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COURSE SCHEDULES

Study Period Module Learning Activity Assessment

Week 1 MODULE 1: Written Activity Written and

Practical
Role and Meaning of
Music

Week 2 MODULE 1: Written Activity Written and

Practical
Functions of Music

Week 3 MODULE Written Activity Written and

Practical
Musical Signs and
Symbols

Week 4 MODULE 2 Practical Activity Written and

Practical
Musical Signs and
Symbols

Week 5 MODULE 2 Practical Activity Written and

Practical
Elements of Music

Week 6 MODULE 2 Practical Activity Written and

Practical
Basic Solfeggio and
Note Reading

Week 7 MODULE 3 Practical Activity Written and

Practical
Methods-Theories
Overview

Week 8 MODULE 4 Written Activity Written and

Practical
Theories to Practice in
teaching music

Week 9 MODULE 4 Written Activity Written and

Practical
Methods, Lesson
Planning, and
Application

4
Week 10 MODULE 4 Practical Activity Written and
Practical
Demo Teaching

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING SYSTEM

The following are the requirements for this course.

1. 100% On-line and offline participation in the course activities

2. Video-based performance
3. Video-based skills demonstration
4. Written and oral works
5. Electronic based outputs

Grading System
Midterm
75% Participation
Weekly attendance/mentoring/video meetings
Written and oral participation
Graded Outputs
25% Major Exam/Practical Exam
Final
75% Participation
Weekly attendance/mentoring/video meetings
Written and oral participation
Graded Outputs
25% Major Exam/Practical Exam

Contact Details:

ORLANDO P. MARTICIO
orlando.marticio@unc.edu.ph
CP: 09291076381

5
 MODULE 1
Music and the Learners

Introduction
Hello, Welcome to the course, Teaching Music to Elementary Grades. Here, you will be
allowed to enjoy recognizing the role of music in classroom instructions. Can you cite
the reasons why music still played an important role in learners' holistic development?
Music is an essential aspect which helps learners enjoy their lives as a playful and
interactive individual. It sets the mood allowing them to learn and appreciate a variety
of activities in school. It drives them to a more fulfilling learning environment filled with
joy, happiness, and satisfaction. "Music listening and music lessons have been claimed
to confer intellectual advantages. Any association between music and intellectual
functioning would be notable only if the benefits apply reliably to non-musical abilities
and if music is unique in producing the effects. The available evidence indicates that
music listening leads to enhanced performance on a variety of cognitive tests, but that
such effects are short-term and stem from the impact of music on arousal level and
mood, which, in turn, affect cognitive performance; experiences other than music
listening have similar effects. Music lessons in childhood tell a different story. They are
associated with small but general and long-lasting intellectual benefits that cannot be
attributed to obvious confounding variables such as family income and parents '
education". Schellenberg, E. G. (2005). Music and cognitive abilities. In Current
Directions in Psychological Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0963-7214.2005.00389.x
In this module, you will be able to learn appreciating every aspect of music as a form of
art. You will be given a series of activities to establish the purpose and meaning of music
to learners like them. Activities are designed to introduce the different meanings of
music, further emphasizing the role of music in the lives of every individual. Through the
activities, you will enjoy and create meaning of music based on their impressions and
purpose. Appreciation is essential to music aptitude in every student so you can use
such virtue in appreciating other fields. This appreciation affects the learning design
aligned with the development of other skills essential in cognitive, affective, and
psychomotor domains.
Learning Outcome
At the end of this module, you should be able to,
1. Identify the importance of music to every individual.
2. Manifest appreciation of music
3. Discuss the effects of music on learners motivation
4. Describe the music role in society

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Topic 1.1 Music’s Role in the Curriculum

Music as an art has a variety of roles in our lives. Our earliest experiences shared experiences
that enrich our emotions and personality. Living without music is difficult and almost impossible.
If I will ask you a question, can you live and enjoy life without associating music with your
activity? It almost sets out direction especially allowing us to appreciate others due to the
emotional effects of this form of art in ourselves.

Learning Activity 1. Write two (2) sentences about your impressions on the role of music to
children.

Analyze these Key Concepts:

● Music and arts as key to children’s moral development.

● Music training as high marks of refinement and basic to the education of children.
● Music instruction has provided children with skills for their musical expressions and
knowledge of their cultural heritage.

Learning Activity 1 Write two (2) sentences of your impressions on the role of music
in children's education.

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Learning Activity 2. List down the roles and functions of music in our lives or society.
Accomplish the table given below.

Role of Music to both

people and society Example of Activities are Benefits to learners
music is essential

Ex. Sets cultural identity Festivals Cultural preservation and

1. appreciation
2.
3.
4.
5.

Topic 1.2 Meaning of Music

Music is an art form, and cultural activity, whose medium is

sound.https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?cirrusUserTesting=control&sort=relevance&search=music+definit
Technical Definition of Music ion&title=Special:Search&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&advancedSearch-current=%7B%7D&ns0=1

My Definition of Music

Processing Questions:
How did you arrive in your definition? __________________________________
What did you consider in drafting your definition?
__________________________________
Was your definition almost the same as the technical definition?
_______________________
How did you say that? _________________________

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Topic 1.3 Music Functions

The Great musician Stravinsky has the following insights about music. "Most of
the people like music because it gives them certain emotions such as joy, grief, sadness,
and image of nature, a subject for daydreams or-still better-oblivion from "everyday life".
They want a drug-dope-…Music would not be worth much if it were reduced to such an
end. When people have learned to love music for itself when they listen with other ears,
their enjoyment will be of a far higher and more potent order, and they will be able to
judge it on the higher plane and realize its intrinsic value."https://rb.gy/mu8j6e

For you, what is music? Maybe it varies from others since we gave meaning based on
what we felt and experience. Our experience sets the standard of our preferences in
music. In this activity, you will be given the chance to interpret based on your
preference, meaning, and functions of music.

Learning Activity 1. Accomplish the table below to figure out what music is.

Activity/Situations where functions

Meaning and Functions of Music to Children may be associated and children
can benefit from it

Ex. Singing Religious songs during

Emotional Expression
the Feast of Penafrancia.

Aesthetic enjoyment

Entertainment

Communication

Symbolic Representation

Physical Response

Enforcement of Conformity to social norms

Validation of Social Institutions and religious

rituals

Contribution in the continuity and stability of

culture

Contribution to the integration of society

https://prezi.com/dqi_wpqqdhf9/chapter-1-multiple-meanings-of-music-for-children/

9
Processing Questions:
⮚ Among those mentioned meanings and functions, which of those meanings and
functions are most significant?
⮚ Were those mentioned functions still visible in our society today being enjoyed
and acknowledged by everyone? Why?

Learning Activity 2. Let us analyze the impact of music in the field of learning based on
its role and meaning. Justify the relationships of two aspects presented in the diagram.

MUSIC

Children attitude Benefits in

the field of Performance
learning

Learning Activity 3. Write a simple poem about your meaning of music. Feature in your
lines benefits in your profession as a teacher. Your poem will be used as lyrics for the
next learning activity. Please use the box below.

________________________
Title

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Wrap-Up

After knowing the important meaning, functions, and role of music, list down at least 5
items that will best support the idea stated in the table below. Make your answer simple
and brief.

HOW LEARNING BENEFIT FROM MUSIC SITUATIONS WHERE MUSIC IS USED AS

AN INSTRUMENT OF LEARNING

Ex. Helps deliver instructions creatively and Interactive music-oriented culminating

smoothly activities

Assessment:

As a future teacher, cite ways on how to integrate music in teaching academic subjects
in your class. Cite the teaching method where music can be an effective tool in
instructional delivery.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

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 MODULE II
Fundamentals of Music

Introduction

Can you tell us your favorite song or music? What components of music do you consider
essential in your life?

We keep on asking why music almost affects and influences our lives. Why do people
prefer to listen, compose, create, and share music to influence and affect people? But
seldom we asked about how music was made and we almost focus only on it by just
listening passively. Though music varies, the interest of listeners is in common. Music as
a unifying element dictates the way we feel, express, and project.

Music as a technical thing is quite different from the way we express. In these
discussions, we will be able to learn and understand the foundation of music as an art.
These principles are behind the creation of music and not visible in our eyes, and we just
felt it. The following discussions are guided by the objectives below,
Learning Outcome
At the end of this module, you should be able to,
1. Identify musical signs and symbols.
2. Enumerate elements of music
3. Describe each element of music
4. Perform a simple repertoire highlighting basic principles of music elements

Topic 2.1 Musical Signs and Symbols

This part presents theories in understanding the principles of interpreting music.

Elements provide specific roles and functions in creating a music masterpiece intended
for varieties of genres containing emotions and feelings. Let us learn the right way of
reading music and develop essential skills to appreciate the greatness of music. Watch
this video before you proceed. https://rb.gy/ofmtv9

Key Principles

● Interpretation of music through notations.

● Elements of Music as an essential aspect in music-making
● Solfeggio of vocal exercise as an appreciation of musical benefits

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 The following table contains musical signs and symbols. Can you describe each?
Write your description in the table below.

Description and Musical

Symbols Name
Functions of Symbols

Whole Note

Half Note

Quarter Note

Eight Note

Sixteenth Note

Treble or G Clef

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C or Movable Clef

F or Bass Clef

Staff

Ledger Line

Bar Line

Double Bar Line

Bracket

14
 Time Signature

Metronome

Tie

Slur

Triplets

Dynamic Markings

https://rb.gy/dfgbln

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Activity 1
The table below contains examples of musical signs and symbols. Can you
describe each?

Description and Musical

Symbols Name
Functions

Whole Note

Half Note

Quarter Note

Eight Note

Sixteenth Note

16
Treble or G Clef

C or Movable Clef

F or Bass Clef

Staff

Ledger Line

Bar Line

17
Double Bar Line

Bracket

Time Signature

Metronome

Tie

Slur

18
 Triplets

Dynamic Markings

https://rb.gy/dfgbln

Processing Question:

▪ What did you notice from the illustrations of musical signs and symbols?
▪ Did you immediately recognize each sign and symbol?
▪ Did you immediately identify each function?
▪ What do you think is the importance of these symbols in creating music?

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Topic 2.2: Elements of Music

Elements of Music are essential in composition. We compose and create based

on these principles. As a basic foundation, students need to familiarize and identify its
functions as a guide to music appreciation and creation. Below is a list of musical
elements.

Features
Elements

Rhythm
(beat, meter, tempo, syncopation)

(forte, piano, [etc.], crescendo, decrescendo)

Dynamic

(pitch, theme, conjunct, disjunct)

Melody

(chord, progression, consonance, dissonance, key, tonality,

Harmony atonality)

(register, range, instrumentation)

Tone Color

(monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, imitation,

Texture counterpoint)

(binary, ternary, strophic, through-composed)

Form

Processing Questions:
⮚ What do you think is the importance of these elements?
⮚ Is it possible to compose music without integrating these elements?
⮚ How would you compare OIDO and FORMAL music skills?
⮚ Do OIDO skills require these elements in composition? Why?

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Learning Activity 1. Identify the element of music described in each item. Write your
answer in the space provided.

1. Music design and structures _______

2. Choral music _______
3. Slow rock rhythm _______
4. Soft and loud _______
5. Higher and lower pitch series _______
6. Guitar playing principles _______

Topic 3: Basic Solfeggio and Note Reading

Note reading is a process and principle of associating symbols with tones to create a
pleasant series of the musical piece. Sounds are the main highlight and identity of the
music. Recognizing the functions of symbols contributes to a systematic interpretation
of music combining principles of application. The following activities will help you
understand what is notation as a basic consideration in note reading.

There are two ways of reading notes. First is reading by syllables and second, reading by
pitches. Syllables were used to emphasize intonation using do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, and ti,
while pitches used letter names to identify notes namely A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Syllables
are used in singing tones while pitch names were used in identifying note an in an
instrumental piece. Most musicians preferred the use of syllables instead of pitch names
as advocacy of western standards.Before going through the activities, please watch about
solfeggio via https://rb.gy/dtlzfs

Let us begin understanding the principles of music by practicing tones identification.

Location of Notes in a Treble Staff

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 Location of Notes in a
Bass Staff

Learning Activity 1. Using the staff below, illustrate the notes in its location.

Treble Staff: DO RE SOL TI

Bass Staff: RE FA LA DO

Learning Activity 2. Solfeggio 1

Study the solfeggio exercises below. Write the pitch and sofa names of notes in each
item.

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Learning Activity 3: Solfeggio 2 Identify the tones by writing sofa names in the
spaces provided.

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Activity 3. Practical Activity

Review the principles in note reading. Perform the solfeggio exercise below by singing
notes accurately. Take a video of your performance. Submit your video via
orlando.marticio@unc.edu.ph

Wrap-Up Activity

A. List down your realization about music as an essential instrument in developing

children's skills. Write your answer in the specific column.

Music Essentials to Learning What I Need To do

B. Create and record a simple composed music/song using the lyrics you wrote
from the poem in the previous activity. Send your video via
orlando.marticio@unc.edu.ph

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 MODULE III
Essential Theories in Teaching Music to Children

Introduction

Hello again! Let us now go to the most essential aspect of teaching music, the theories
where teaching designs need to be anchored.

The following discussions provide information on theories essential to teaching music in

elementary grades.These theories associate principles in teaching music highlighting
both student-focused and teacher focused approaches. Integration varies based on the
theoretical principles and nature of learners as the recipient of learning.

Learning Outcome
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Identify essential theories in teaching music
2. Describe theories based on its principles
3. Compare theories with other non-music based teaching theories
4. Enumerate benefits of theories in teaching elementary grades.

Topic 3.1.Method Theories Overview

Let us familiarize ourselves with common teaching methods where instructions can be
anchored, recognizing the nature of learners towards music appreciation. Compare and
relate these methods to the theories that we will be discussing in the next page.

https://rb.gy/r6vzjn

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Topic 3.1: Theories to Practice in Teaching Music

Below are teaching theories essential to teaching music in elementary grades. Read our
reference book and describe the highlights of the theories mentioned. Write your
answer to the box provided.

Theories Proponent (s) Highlights and Features

Learning Modalities Theory Walter Barbe and

Raymond Swassing

Learning Styles Theory Rita and Kenneth

Dunn

Field Dependence theory Harold Witkin

Meaningful Reception David Ausubel

Discovery Learning Jerome Brunner

Events of Instruction theory Robert Gagne

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Music Learning theory Richard Gordon

https://rb.gy/dv3ymf

Learning Activity 1. Theory-to-Practice

Using the template below, summarize the principles of the different theories in music.

Essential Points from Theories How it will be applied in the learning

process

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Wrap-Up

As we consider those theories as essential factors in learning music, let us consider as

well the " Pattern Teaching" of Gordon, where steps are being emphasized in the
delivery of instructions. Click this link , https://rb.gy/y1gyif
Read Gordon's principles and answer the guide questions below:

1. What did you discover from the style of Gordon in teaching music?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. What essential steps need to consider following the principles of Pattern
Teaching?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

3. Can you introduce your self-designed learning sequenced activities in teaching

music? How?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

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 MODULE IV
Methods in Teaching Music to Children

Introduction

Methods and Strategies are essential in instructional delivery. It is being integrated into
the lesson to ensure a smooth flow of learning activities in the classroom. This chapter
contains information presenting examples and highlights of methods and strategies.

Key Concepts:

● Eurhythmic
● Inner hearing
● Imitation, Exploration, improvisation, and literacy

Learning Outcome
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Identify Methods in Teaching Music
2. Apply methods in teaching music in elementary grades
3. Describe the importance of integrating methods in teaching
4. Appreciate benefits in using features of methods

Topic 1: Methods and Application

The following are examples of methods in teaching music in elementary grades

containing essential features that can be integrated into teaching. With these methods
and features, activities are provided below as an application of these methods highlights.
METHOD HIGHLIGHT AND ESSENTIAL FEATURES

DALCROZE METHOD Eurhythmics

Features: ___________________________

KODALY METHOD solfa, rhythm, hand signs, memory

development, singing,
Features: ___________________________

ORF METHOD singing, chanting, dance, movement, drama

and the playing of percussion instruments
Features: ___________________________

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Learning Activity 1. Methods and Features

Direction: Using the concept web below, identify the important features of methods
as applied in classroom activities. Please use the link above to review yourself on
method’s literature. Choose one method to analyze.

30
 Activity 2: Lesson Planning

Choose one method to be used in your actual teaching. Review the features and design steps of the
method and integrate it into the procedures of the lesson plan. You can use any subject and topic.
Write your daily lesson plan ( DLP) in the space below:

______________________________
Topic/Subject

OBJECTIVES
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________

SUBJECT MATTER

PROCEDURE (design process according to the features of Method

chosen)

EVALUATION

ASSIGNMENT

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Processing Questions:

1. How did you find the activity?

2. Is it difficult integrating/incorporating features of the method in your teaching?
3. What difficulties did you encounter?
4. What adjustments did you do in ensuring the smooth flow of the process?
5. Did you have some realizations after the demo teaching?
6. Can you do it better next time?

Activity 3. Skills Application and Practical Activity (FINAL)

Using your self-designed lesson plan, prepare for an individual demonstration teaching
on video. Record, design and produce a well-edited video output highlighting your
teaching skills and employing principles learned from the previous chapters. Send your
output at orlando.marticio@unc.edu.ph

The following Rubrics will be used in assessing your performance.

RATING CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS

9.01-10.00 Excellent

● Manifest outstanding skills in facilitating learning activities

● Manages effectively methods and procedure in learning activities
● Shows excellent communication skills in teaching
● Manifest high pedagogical teaching skills
● Submit a well-prepared video showing skills in editing, video
organizing and producing
● Possess teacher looks and personality

8.01-9.00 Very Satisfactory

● Manifest average skills in facilitating learning activities

● Manages methods and procedures in learning activities with a
minimal mistake in facilitating.
● Shows average communication skills
● Manifest average pedagogical teaching skills
● Submit video showing skills in editing, video organizing, and
producing.
● With the struggle in portraying teacher image

7.01-8.00 Satisfactory

● Lacks innovation in facilitating learning activities

● With difficulty managing methods and procedures in learning
activities.
● With struggles in communication skills

32
 ● pedagogical teaching skills not visible
● Submit a video and edited video
● Teacher image not properly portrayed

6.01-7.00 Fair

● Complied with minimal output

● Unable to comply with set standards
● Video output not submitted

Wrap-Up

Congratulations for the time, effort, and dedication in the completion of activities in this
module.

For the last activity, list down learnings and things to improve that you can share with
other future teachers, on how music should always be part of teaching. The table below
is provided for your answer.

My realization about the role of music in Things I need to improve in teaching music
teaching and learning

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

References:

https://rb.gy/mu8j6e
https://rb.gy/q4rsrc
https://rb.gy/1zoi1w

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