Objectives and outcomes

This training unit is designed to help you model for your pupils the processes of learning they need to undertake and will lead you to recognise the difference between modelling and demonstrating or explaining.

The unit will explore three contexts when you might want to use modelling:

• to clarify musical conventions, processes and devices;
• to clarify how to develop and improve skills;
• to build confidence, inspire and demonstrate expectations.

It will also explore seven processes of modelling, each of which can be used in any of the above contexts:

• thinking aloud as part of the modelling process;
• careful planning and use of questions;
• accommodating different learning styles;
• language for learning – modelling talk;
• developing pupils’ confidence;
• using specialist musicians from the whole community to inspire;
• creating a portfolio of evidence.

As a way of identifying your current practice, use Activity Resource 1 to reflect on the extent to which you currently use effective modelling techniques in your lessons.

After exploring this introduction, you may want to

• develop your exploration of these key principles by reading more;
• continue with this unit by exploring good practice in modelling.