1. Is there a minimum of teacher activity (talk, demonstration) and a maximum of student activity?

Allison really seemed to focus on student activity with a minimum of teacher talk. What she tried to do was guide the students through their own learning by simply asking them questions that would engage the students to think. For example she would sing a song or say a chant and ask the students to tap a steady beat and then ask them how many beats were in what she said. When a student would answer she would not say yes or no right away, but ask the other students if that student was right or wrong. That was also how she conducted board work. She also frequently encouraged the students to sing songs without her help.

2. What is the quality of the teacher's eye contact? (Continual? Comprehensive? Interested?)

Allison did give the students a good deal of eye contact throughout each lesson. Her eye contact showed the students that she was interested in what they were doing as well as what they were learning. This eye contact made the students feel comfortable with classroom activities.

3. Does the teacher seem to be enjoying the lesson?

Allison always looks like she's enjoying the lesson. She is constantly smiling. She also really enjoys her students. It's all very clear when you watch her. Even when there are problems Even though she teaches the same lesson to different classes three or four times a day, you would not be able to tell because she gives each class a unique learning experience based on the types of students that are in the class. She is very in tune with the personalities of the students in each class that each lesson is a unique learning experience even though they are learning the same musical concepts.

4. Are students interested and attentive? Why or why not?

Generally the students are interested and attentive. There did seem to be a bit of additional talking in a few of the classes, but that could be due to a number of factors (a number of IEP students, just returning from winter break, etc.). But even though there was excess talking the students were relatively easy to rope back into the lesson and once they were back they understood what was going on and really enjoyed it. It is clear that they students enjoy their time with Allison. They also are really excited about music and know a good deal of musical concepts.

5. Does each student have a sense of accomplishment?

I believe that each student did have a sense of accomplishment. None of the students participating in the lesson looked as though they felt frustrated or seemed discouraged. When a child gave an incorrect answer, Allison did not move on to another child, but gave that child another opportunity to answer the question correctly. Also, but allowing the class to check their own work, they felt as though they really were learning and absorbing the material, not simply having it being told to them. Allison also complimented students and the class as a whole for jobs well done.,