​​InTASC Standard #5 impulses that the music teacher possesses the ability to go beyond simply presenting musical facts or techniques. Instead, they should strive to connect concepts, provide context and encourage students to think critically and creatively about the information being presented. This approach aims to support a deeper understanding and engagement with the subject, moving away from a one-sided transfer of information to a more interactive and meaningful learning experience. A music teacher can and should combine diverse musical genres, styles and cultural perspectives to demonstrate the interconnectedness of musical concepts. This will allow students to not only gain a broader understanding of the subject matter but also develop skills to think critically about the cultural, historical and social contexts in which music exists. Students can relate music to current events and subjects they are interested and passionate about. The educator can bring real-world relevance into the classroom, exploring how music reflects or responds to contemporary social, political or environmental issues. By connecting musical content to the world around them, students are more likely to engage with and appreciate the subject matter on a deeper level. In addition, this standard encourages the music teacher to incorporate collaborative problem-solving activities, such as group projects, ensemble performances or discussions that require students to work together and solve musical challenges. This collaborative approach not only enhances students’ ability to work as a team, but also nurtures their creative problem-solving skills within the context of music. All in all, music educators should move beyond traditional teaching methods, and engage students in critical and creative thinking and faster collaborative problem-solving skills.

I have experience with InTASC Standard #5, both as a private lessons teacher and through lessons created at Ball State. While teaching private lessons, I introduce my students to a wide range of music written by different composers. I do this to assist them in broadening their musical abilities and understanding. I want them to have a true love for music and this can only come from exposure. I feel comfortable integrating different real-world application situations in the classroom, and have begun to think about these things in creating lesson plans. It is vital that students find real responsibility and connection to their classroom content and their lives. Without it, they will loose perspective on why it is important that they pay attention and truly digest the content.

To continue to grow in this area, I plan to be actively involved and pay attention to current events that I could connect music to. This continues to push the concept of real world application. I want to continue to make it a goal to introduce my students to a wide range of music, connecting music to other subjects  they are passionate about. This works to combine what they are already familiar with to the new content they may be uncomfortable with. I want to continue to allow my students to be well rounded musicians. This can only occur with real world connection and application. I will attend professional development events where I can learn how to better apply this standard into my teaching. I want to continue to learn and research different music from around the globe and learn more about a variety of composers. Beyond anything else, it is genuinely interesting and enlightening to hear and experience music from around the world. I want my students to have this experience.