Classroom Management Through Student Choice and Democratic Practices: Part 1

Abstract

Employing student choice and democratic practices are pillars of modern classroom management in a variety of settings, including elementary general music spaces. However, as curricula become larger and instructional times become shorter, there is a perhaps a temptation to resort to more teacher-centered management techniques in the perceived interest of saving time. This column, the seventh in a series about classroom management and the first of several about the particular topic of student choice and democratic practices, contains several techniques for teachers who are ready to cede some control of their classrooms at first in exchange for classrooms in which students perhaps feel more invested and help manage more autonomously. Specific techniques include preparing multiple activities to help teach a concept and establishing procedures for class choices of activities.

Promoting Gender Inclusivity in General Music: Considerations for Music Listening

“…Reminding children that "music is personal" and that "people like different things" can help them own and discuss personal music practices or preferences in classrooms and with each other. Children respond well to short prompts such as "People like different things" and the self-affirmation can help promote student choice/voice and democratic practices by recognizing and accepting differences (Robison, 2021;NCPFCE, n.d.).…”