It's Learning Triangle Week!
This coming week the Suzuki teachers are incorporating the "Suzuki Learning Triangle" into their lesson plans. What is the learning triangle?
This is the combined work of the teacher, parent, and student together. Each "side" of this triangle participates in the learning environment where the student not only learns to play an instrument but becomes supported in the learning process. It is important that the relationships between all three be developed through active and open communication. During Learning Triangle week, teachers will discuss with parents and find out more on how the practicing is going at home. The teacher will discuss with students in what ways the parent is or can be helpful in the learning process. The teacher is there to answer questions from parents about how to practice at home or motivate the student, in general. Next week, there will also be a Musicianship Department curriculum meeting so that parents may better understand what are the goals of each level of Musicianship and what skills are being taught, and how the parent can practice these skills at home.
The Suzuki teachers constantly are reflecting on ways to be better educators. We have expanded the triangle concept to now be a three-dimensional pyramid by adding "peers" to one more side. That is, the value of group class and learning among peers is recognized as an invaluable aspect of the learning environment. The social context of learning is strong motivation and thus the Suzuki triangle has evolved into the Suzuki pyramid.
Ultimately, our goal is to motivate the student to the learning effort---the success of our musical journey relies upon this pyramid. I will be focusing my next series of Upbeat messages about motivation and how to build enthusiasm as the student becomes more and more accomplished. For many, the success of progress is enough and for some there is a need for more "outside" help. Let's build a strong "learning pyramid" in the week to come.
And please be sure to come on Sunday, October 16th at 12:10 pm to hear your peers at the Newton Centre Community stage. Also, our faculty are performing on Saturday, November 19th at 6:30 pm and tickets are now available through Eventbrite. See you at the Fair!
Sachiko
