For middle school general music teachers, the difference between success and failure lies in connecting with, motivating, and managing adolescents. MENC member Elizabeth Ann McAnally says that techniques from elementary school don’t carry over to working with unpredictable adolescents. In fact, “what works for Student A on Monday won’t work for Student A on Tuesday, or for Student B on any day of the week.”

Here are a few tips she’s picked up through trial and error:

1. Talk like an adult, but remember they’re still children. Teens hate to be patronized, so use the same tone you do with adults. But still give step-by-step directions—including putting their names on the paper.
    
2. Be proactive, not reactive. Don’t leave yourself to figure out how to respond to a situation on the spot. Anticipate potential problems, and plan their solutions. Remind students often of expectations and consequences, and apply consequences consistently.  Adjust your plans for possible logistical problems.
    
3. Respond to the small stuff. If they can get away with mild attempts at rebellion, students may try getting your attention with more serious misbehavior. Make them throw out their gum, insist on full participation, and correct them for inappropriate language like “shut up.”
    
4. Encourage appropriate self-expression. Allow students to do extra-credit projects on favorite recording artists, ask how they feel about a listening selection (after listening), and ask open-ended questions to encourage creative thinking. Insist that all opinions be treated with respect. Students will learn that their views are valued and how to treat others’ opinions with respect.
    
5. Find the hidden reason for misbehavior. Students would rather get in trouble for breaking the rules than for being unable to complete an assignment. Be aware of students’ special needs, and adjust plans accordingly. Reward students for effort and make sure your directions are very clear.
    
6. Hold your ground today, and tomorrow will be better. Adolescents hate giving in to the teacher in front of peers. However, stand firm, regardless of the student’s protestations. Tomorrow, the student may be able to meet your expectations without embarrassment or feel that rebellion just isn’t worth it.
    

Middle school general music is important and teens offer a unique set of challenges. McAnally favors adequate preservice coursework and equal attention from in-service conferences, journals, and professional organizations for secondary general music.

Read Part 2.

Elizabeth Ann McAnally teaches at Wilson Middle School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition to writing “Motivating Urban Music Students” in Teaching Music in the Urban Classroom: A Guide to Survival, Success, and Reform, she is writing a new book, Middle School General Music: The Best Part of Your Day!

--Linda C. Brown, May 20, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (menc.org)