Great expectations?

In the last issue of Flutewise Liz posed an important question for us teachers; do we expect too much or not enough from our pupils? The lack of response on such a central issue from the many teachers who subscribe to Flutewise, would seem to suggest that this subject is a bit of a hot potato. Is there a reluctance to go out on a limb and give an opinion?

As teachers the expectations we have for our pupils will affect not only the way we teach but our attitude towards individual pupils. If a pupil fails to meet our expectations should we then assume that they are unmotivated, unmusical, unintelligent or untalented? Likewise should we assume that the pupil that far exceeds our expectations is a natural prodigy that will take the world by storm? I would suggest that such assumptions are a form of stigamatisation that is unfair to the children involved.

Of course, over the years as our experience grows it is easy to have expectations but if we allow these expectations to rule our teaching overly then we are in danger of creating an average that we measure our pupils against. “So what`s wrong with that?” I hear you ask, “an average can be a good way to control that things are going in the right direction”. This of course is true, an average can help us tailor our teaching to those who are above or below average, but one should never forget that an average is made up of everything between two extremes. In truth, being above or below average is quite normal.

As teachers it is far better if we can evaluate rather than expect. All our pupils are individuals that deserve to be evaluated constantly so as we can adjust our teaching to suit their individual needs. Some kids are happy moving slowly but steadily along, while others want a new challenge every day. It is our job to help them explore the flute and music in their own way, but at the same time ensure that the learning process remains balanced.

Some children might need a little nudge now and again to help them build confidence, as they master something that we were 100% sure of before we nudged them. Likewise a child who brims with confidence needs reminding now and again that there is more to playing the flute than sight-reading poorly and playing out of tuneJ

So, back to Liz`question; do we expect enough or too much of our pupils? My answer has to be yes, most definitely, all the timeJ There are no definitive answers here, it is a matter of a fine balance that we keep by constantly evaluating not only our pupils but ourselves and the way we teach.

What do I expect from my pupils? I expect them to enjoy playing the flute. No more, no less. If they don`t meet my expectation then I need to ask the question- am I doing my job properly?

Dean Stallard