MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH - Jessica Hodges Music Play . . . With Seesaw E
very music teacher would agree that we rely heavily on performance-based
assessments. However, at the end of the semester, the grade book shows a 4, a 92%, or a “Proficient.” Tere is no evidence that content has or has not been mastered. Tere is no music or performance on the page. I have been experimenting with a free program, Seesaw, that has already helped not only with assessments, but with creativity, collaboration, and bringing the music to life.
I have spent a lot of time creating, trying, and revising methods to monitor student progress.
It always seemed to be an
impossibly daunting task, especially when I was working in multiple buildings. How is one teacher supposed to watch 25 students individually keeping a steady beat and have time to record their level of proficiency?
Enter Seesaw. Seesaw is an online platform for student/class portfolios. Students can add text, drawings, pictures, and videos. Students can compose a rhythm, then record themselves performing it.
Without taking too much precious instruction time, I have documentation of each student’s performance abilities.
Because of the variety of tools available on Seesaw, I am able to give opportunities for student choice and creativity. For example, aſter introducing the ukulele to fourth and fiſth graders, each student was given the freedom to show their understanding using whatever tools they chose. Some students made videos and discussed the parts of the ukulele and its history. Others took pictures of themselves holding their instrument and added text box labels. One student even drew their own diagram of a ukulele.
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even add a digital sticker to quality student work!
“Collaboration” is not a new concept in education or in music, but is certainly a popular modern buzzword. Students have the opportunity to view and comment on other students’ work. (Tis is a feature that can be turned on and off by the teacher.) Students can offer feedback and insight on anything another student has submitted. Or, one student can make a journal entry and have a classmate annotate and discuss.
With the assessments, creativity, and collaboration, music in the classroom is truly brought to life. Students can watch each other perform a song, then give constructive or complimentary comments. Parents can be given access to their child’s work so they have a clear understanding of what their child is learning in music. Administrators have clear documentation of which students have or have not met each standard. Tis article has only scratched the surface of what Seesaw is capable of. Finally, music teachers have a way to truly document student progress.
*Disclaimer- not a sponsored article at all. Just a music teacher sharing a tool that has made her life a little easier.
Jessica Hodges is a proud alumnus of
A class can perform a song once with each student recording themselves. I can go back later and watch each student individually and assess their understanding. I have successfully done this to assess rhythm understanding and ukulele playing. I can
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Students can utilize the tools they are most comfortable with to demonstrate their knowledge and showcase their creativity.
the University of Wyoming (Go Pokes!) and currently in her 7th year of teaching elementary general music in Green River, WY. She volunteers with the GRHS Marching Band and is the Assistant Music Director for the musical. Before joining the directing team, she played oboe and saxophone in the productions. Jessica is currently the Music In Our Schools Month Chair and is excited to help our state advocate for music education not only in March, but year-round. She lives with her husband, Anthony; her stepdaughter, Sophia; and an excessive amount of fish.
Wyoming Windsong
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