We have been super impressed by the guitar classes we've seen at Bedichek Middle School in Austin under the direction of Mr. Phil Swasey. Guests come through Austin frequently to observe guitar classes, and after the second visitor in the same month specifically commented on how peaceful and productive Mr. Swasey's classrooms were, we decided to ask him if he might share some insights into his approach. Here's what he had to say:
When asked by Matthew Hinsley to write a blog entry on 'Establishing Classroom Culture' for GuitarCurriculum.com, I was simultaneously flattered and terrified. This is my 8th year teaching guitar at Bedichek Middle School in South Austin, and after years of struggle and experimentation, I finally feel that learning is happening at the highest levels in my guitar classes. Although I have much work still to do in this regard, it's fun to look back and think about how my first years of teaching compare to where my program is now.
My apprehension in writing this is based on my inability to point to any one factor or strategy used to establish a strong, connected learning environment. It's difficult for me to pinpoint concrete strategies that I could recommend to a new teacher, so I decided to ask my students to guide me by asking, "Why do you enjoy being in this classroom?" I've chosen three student responses from this prompt, and starting from the students' perspective, I'll discuss some strategies that may have led to that student's feeling about the classroom environment. All names have been changed.
"It's fun and not just work." - Manny
As an authority figure in the classroom, I find myself preaching 'work-ethic' and 'overcoming adversity' like a pull-string teacher doll, but when thinking about my own productivity, I'm always more engaged when the work doesn't feel laborious. I love my job, and very seldom does it feel like 'work.' Why should I expect my students to be any different? In the music classroom, I believe the intrinsic value of the music should be the central focus. Music is fun, why should it be a struggle?
"The class is peaceful and is not chaotic like a normal classroom." - Joseph
I'll admit, this one is probably a little selfish. My main motivation for creating an ordered and structured environment is for my own focus. I don't trust myself to communicate complex ideas to my students in a noisy or disruptive classroom, but what is an effective room for my teaching is also a focused learning environment for the students. Establishing strong classroom routines and procedures is the best place to start. My students should always explicitly know what is expected of them: handing out materials, tuning, warming up, rehearsal etiquette, etc. Many unwanted classroom behaviors are a result of confusion on the students' part, and a failure of the teacher to clearly communicate expectations.
When I first started teaching, Jeremy Osborne played a big role in my development. After observing my class one day, Jeremy told me to 'relax.' He felt that my energy was a little too frantic, and was probably influencing the students' behavior. Now before I open the door to greet my students, I make an extra effort to rid myself of any anxious energy that I might be carrying from the stresses of the job. I think modeling a calm demeanor goes a long way.
"It's accepting." - Robert
Feeling accepted for who you are increases drive and motivation in adults and students alike. Taking small steps to learn about your students and to express acceptance and gratitude for who they are can be very empowering for young learners. Two years ago, after constantly hearing divisive rhetoric in the public forum, I decided to put flags on my door that I believed represented my students' identities; country of origin, sexuality, culture, etc. I'll never forget the smile on a student's face when she saw her home country's flag represented on my door. We still sometimes communicated through Google Translate, but her expression of joy was universal and didn't need translation.
Earlier this month I was delighted to read an Austin Classical Guitar article featuring Rey Rodriguez, A Transformative Experience. Rey is a former Bedichek guitar student, and passed through my program during my teaching infancy. His classes were probably a little chaotic, his teacher inexperienced, but he was still able to flourish and go on to do really incredible things. Although I now have a better vision for my students and for my classroom in general, the reality is that teachers positively influence their students from the very first days of their careers.
- Phil Swasey, Bedichek Middle School, Austin, Texas