Blogging with Middle School General Music Students | internet usage policy,blog,western classical tradition,critique,blogging,relevant websites

For the past few months I have had my 8th grade general music students use the blog environment to critique music from the Western Classical tradition. I created a blog site using the resources of MusicEd.net - the host of this blog. Set up was quite easy. I created a number of links to relevant websites, and posted entries for each listening example. Students are required to post their reactions to compositions that are played during class time. After I show them a presentation on the process of critique I play representative pieces from various musical eras and my students post their written critiques on the blog. There are now over 100 student critiques on the blog, and I am thrilled with what the students are writing. One classroom management tip - be sure to have your students use only their initials or perhaps assign them a composer name when they post. You should also check with your district Internet usage policy in regard to blogging. I believe that because I am utilizing a familiar environment, students are more comfortable writing about music. I am often amazed by the maturity of their responses. I’d love to get your reactions to their postings, and I urge you to try blogging with your students. Although it’s been around for a few years now, I don’t hear of many music programs utilizing this powerful resource with their students. I welcome your comments and suggestions.
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