Zuleyma DeLaRosa
Conclusion
As I conclude my RIP I look back at my question and think about what I have read and
observed over this past semester. I look at questions and notes that I started with at the beginning
of my placement and ask myself if most of my questions for this RIP were answered. I can
confidently say that all my questions were answered by teacher interviews, observations, and
scholarly literature.
I am pleased that I decided to do my RIP and further my research on the topic, In what
ways do classroom teachers integrate Music when teaching Math and ELA to a diverse
classroom. By furthering my research on this topic I was able to gain a better understanding on
the importance of music within a classroom and different ways music can being incorporated
into the curriculum. Most of all, it was very shocking to see that teachers incorporating music in
math and ELA were not specialized in music. This demonstrates that teachers can be as effective
and only because you are not musically inclined that should not stop any teacher from creating a
fun and proactive learning environment for her or his students.
Although I was satisfied seeing music being incorporated in math and ELA in the
primary grades, I wish I could have seen more intermediate classrooms use music within
instruction. I wish for my focus I could have known a head of time what intermediate classrooms
incorporates music in their curriculum, so that I can observe those particular classrooms.
However, I did enjoy seeing that one fourth grade class I observed use music in math.
Several of the scholarly literatures I used throughout my literature review corresponded
to what I saw in the classrooms. For example, in terms of music in the classroom, the author
Jennifer Prescott explains music is something students enjoy and as a result of this enjoyment
students can build their confidence through the participation in music. I discovered that Jennifer
Prescott was correct. In all the classrooms I observed in that included music within instruction, I
can see the enjoyment in students face. Although the music that was playing was related to math
and ELA students still found it pleasing.
Ms. Lindsey is a highly educated teacher who has study a vast amount in education and is
aware of the different techniques and strategies to be used when teaching. The school is active
when it comes to providing students with extracurricular activities. As observed in this school,
student’s needs are being met to the best abilities of each teacher observed.
In addition, each of the themes that I have discussed are important aspects within the
integration of music. Within my literature review I expressed the importance of music in the
classroom, music and math, music and ELA, and diversity. Most of these themes overlapped in
my observation piece of writing as well. These themes helped me realize what subject music is
used for more. I have concluded after my observation, music is more used within math
instruction. Furthermore, with my themes I expressed the importance of a diverse classroom. As
educators and future educators we must consider classroom settings where all children are
actively involved, which establishes a distinctive and efficient learning environment.
As a result of my research, I am now able to understand the importance of techniques
classroom teachers use to integrate music when teaching math and ELA to a diverse classroom. I
have learned one of the most important things a teacher can do is be open minded and to not be
afraid to be creative when leading instruction. I also understand the impact of how well a teacher
recognizes a student’s differences whether the students in an English language learner or has
special needs. As a final point, I can take the information that I have learned throughout this
study with me right through my teaching career. This study has been very enjoyable for me and I
feel more comfortable and confident with incorporating music when teaching ELA and math.