The SAA Practicum is a short-term course developed to enhance the SAAs system of short-term workshop training. While the core training units mainly focus on Suzuki repertoire and instrumental technique, emphasis of the Practicum is on honing the art of teaching. The Practicum is strongly recommended for all teachers. It provides skills for evaluating one’s teaching and an opportunity to teach with feedback from an SAA-registered teacher trainer. Explored topics include communication skills, teaching strategies, diagnostics and observation. In a nurturing and supportive environment of peers, using video footage from their home studio and on-site teaching, participants practice self-assessment skills to identify their strengths in teaching and those areas in need of improvement.
In keeping with the SAAs commitment to life-long learning, the Practicum provides teachers with an invaluable opportunity at any stage in their development. This course may be repeated as often as desired. To provide maximum opportunity, the enrollment is limited to five (5) participants. Therefore, early registration is encouraged.
The SAA Teaching Practicum is required for level 2 of the SAA Teacher Certificates of Achievement.
Prerequisite: Completion and registration of book 1 and one year of Suzuki teaching experience.
Piano
Session 2:
Fay Adams, TN
Monday, June 22 – Saturday, June 27
Violin
Session 2:
Vera McCoy-Sulentic, IL
Monday, June 22 – Saturday, June 27
Violin
Session 2:
Vera McCoy-Sulentic, IL
Monday, June 22 – Saturday, June 27
- The DVD material should include a complete 30-minute lessons of 4-5 students with follow up lessons for each student plus 2 group classes if possible.
- Because this class is small and has a friendly, useful and supportive atmosphere, also bring a 30-minute DVD of materials of your choice. The possibilities include a reading lesson, a parent conference, etc. More footage can be included on the DVD, but video viewing will depend on the time constraints, class size, and other factors.
- DVD format is required.
- For best quality sound, an external microphone is recommended.
- It is recommended that participants record many lessons over time and select from them the portions to include on the DVD brought to the practicum course.
- The major portion of the DVD should include instruction rather than student or teacher performance.
- Make sure that the angle of the camera shows the student’s hands; it is suggested that the closest possible camera placement be used which includes the student’s entire body.
- It is important that the teacher be visible during much of the lesson. If the parent is in the lesson, the DVD needs to show the parent also. This will be so helpful as the class views the DVD and determine the lines of communication and response.
- If the DVD is of a segment on technique, the camera should be angled in such a way that viewers can clearly see what the teacher is doing.
The DVD will be the focal point of the practicum. The DVD will be viewed and discussed by the class.
The above activity will fill 8-12 hours, depending upon the size of the class, the preferences of the trainer, etc. The balance of the time will be spent in role-playing activities and, if the trainer wishes, some live demonstration lesson teaching, using volunteer students.
On-site teaching is to include volunteer students who would receive extra lessons. Volunteer students may or may not be students from the participants’ own studio.