Keeping Track of Student Progress – Part 3

The Keeping Track of Student Progress and Keeping Track of Student Progress Part 2 posts evidently strick a resonant chord with teachers, so I’m going to continue answering your questions in this post, this time talking about Google docs, tables / textboxes, and managing time with this system..  Please let me know if you have more questions, as your questions may help many other teachers.

Using Google Docs

Several teachers have asked if it is necessary to use Google docs and some have expressed frustration in past attempts to use this online tool.  First, it is not necessary to use Google docs to implement my system.  You can use Word, Pages, or even a recurring task in Outlook, which is how I used to do it (though its not terribly efficient, nor can it handle fancy formatting).  If you haven’t tried Google docs in the last 6 months, I’d suggest you try it again as they continue to make improvements.  If you’d like to see a very fast video of what you can do with Google docs, click here.

The reason I use Google docs is so that I can see my document everywhere with internet access or with my smart phone.

Inserting Tables or Textboxes?

Several readers thought that I said I inserted textboxes into my document.  It was not textboxes, but rather tables that are helpful in creating the grid that I used to keep track of my students scores and potential repertoire.  This is easy to do by simply clicking on the “Table” menu and “insert table” after which you can choose the number of columns and rows that you desire. Incidentally, textboxes are not currently available to use in Google docs.

Managing Time: Back to back lessons?

Several teachers have asked if I schedule my lessons back to back. I assume this question comes from a concern of not being able to keep notes on students if there is not time between lessons.  The answer is: Yes, I schedule my lessons back to back.  I usually have 4-5 students come back to back with a nice 15-30 minute break between.  But, if you are concerned that you don’t have enough time between students to make such progress notes, remember these things:

• Take notes during the lesson.  I do this by saying, “Why don’t you pick the next book we will do while I make some notes on your progress chart.”  Or, “I’m going to make some notes, so why don’t you spot practice that little section for a moment.”  Or, “Why don’t you warm up on this piece (I promise I won’t listen) while I make a few notes about what I need to have ready for next week.”
• Take notes as the student is packing up and the next students is coming in .
• Above all, don’t feel guilty for doing this during the lesson!  This is a part of what makes you a great teacher and is a part of what will help the student make the best use of their time at the next lesson.
• Take notes, send emails, and plan for the next week during your breaks.  This is, of course, after you have taken the time to use the restroom, get a drink, and eat a bit of chocolate!
• Read Kristin Yost’s article on Creative Time Management for the Independent Music Teacher for some more ideas.