Peer Teaching Reflection

Date of the Lesson: 4-12-22

Student’s Name: Zach Peycha

Video Link: https://youtu.be/1OMJvZW4nNg

Describe your preparation for the Peer Teaching event?

I feel that I did not adequately prepare to teach this lesson properly. As stated in the

comments, I did lean on my musicianship and charisma to create a lesson that worked, but it didn’t pan out

the way I planned. With the score, I was trying to find unison lines or sections of music that would have two

distinct parts so as not to create too many moving parts when performing this music. When practicing this

music, I found that even with the extra time to look at the score, I had much trouble prepping individual parts,

which caused much doubt in my mind. Overall, I felt that I understood the music and could teach it; however,

my playing skills limited my teaching ability.

Describe what went well and what didn’t work?

What Went Well?: I feel that my communication and description of concepts were adequate.

The rapport I would have created with students if this was in a natural environment would have aided in the

progress in the real-world setting because having students buy into what you are teaching is half of the battle.

My modeling skills were also adequate for the grade level I planned to introduce. However, I wasn't sure what

age group would best suit this scenario with the music I was given.

What Didn’t Work?: I feel that my preparation was lacking, which caused a great deal of

uncertainty when the rubber met the road. I used many placeholder words to help myself think, which led to

the appearance that I was unconfident and not competent with the material. Once I realized that the music

was more challenging than my peers could play, I felt that I caved in under pressure and couldn't recover.
What did you notice when you watched your video?

A big thing that I noticed when watching the video is that I stood up near the podium a lot

during the lesson. I wish I had walked around more frequently and given more individualized comments. I also

added things on the fly, which, when I teach band, usually does work because I am more familiar with the

situation that I'm teaching; however, this is an entirely new environment. I really should have created a quality

lesson that I could have leaned on teaching this lesson.

Reflect on Dr. Spieker's Comments.

Many of the comments were just notes on what I did during the lesson. The big word was definitely about

how I need to prepare more to elevate my teaching ability. Especially this past week, I have tried to

incorporate a lot more planning into my teaching because I believe that I can be a high-quality educator. It is

time for me to take that extra step to create a higher quality standard for my teaching. Also stated previously

in this reflection, I use many placeholder words, but I am also quite optimistic when teaching.

Articulate areas in your teaching where you need to improve.

Again, I feel that I need to improve in my preparation stage. Digging in and understanding individual

responsibilities and the fundamental aspects of each instrument should help create a higher quality lesson for

me when planning for future studies. A deeper understanding of the score, as well as the conventions of each

instrument that is in the ensemble, will help me elevate my teaching.

Articulate areas in your teaching that you are most proud of.

I am very proud of the interactions and the optimism that I created in the classroom environment. I

have always found that a lighthearted approach to music education always helps students buy in and creates a
healthier environment to facilitate quality learning. I am also quite proud of the individual comments during

this lesson. I can identify individual pedagogy errors and help correct them to improve their playing.