Microteaching #2: Ostinati Group Presentation Reflection
February 15, 2005
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Reflective Essay

1. What does a group need for success? Did you feel your group was successful? In what way?
A group needs several things for success. First, each member needs to have an individual understanding of all the material and processes. Secondly, the groups needs to be rehearsed together. Finally, confidence (along with just generic presentation abilities) are needed. Our group succeeded fairly well in all these areas. Staci could have been a little better at playing her ostinato, but otherwise we all knew our parts and how to play them and sing the song. We started our planning early, and that allowed us time to practice before actually teaching. Finally, we are all pretty confident of our abilities, and presented our information clearly to the class.

2. What pitfalls must be avoided in group projects? What factors contribute to failure in a group?
In group projects, occasionally one group member can domineer and do a majority of the work. Also, if one person is unprepared, then that can effect the others' parts or at least the general flow of the presentation.

3. What contributed to success or failure in your group?
In my group, we began preparing almost literally as soon as we received the assignment. This allowed us to practice individually and be fairly well-prepared for class. In class then, we were able to take a few minutes to practice together, which was helpful. When Staci mentioned that she wanted to do a trill on the triangle, it never even crossed my mind that she may not be able to play it. I worked with her in the practice room before we presented, and tried to show her the proper way to hold the beater and play it, but she just didn't have time to get comfortable with it. That, obviously, took away from our teaching, but at least she was comfortable enough with her rhythm to be able to play it on her knees, and still teach the ostinato. Otherwise, I felt that our teaching went well and that our ostinato was successfully taught to the other students and they played it quite well.
 

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