Teacher Tuesdays: Musical Methods

The students stood quietly as they waited for the music to begin. They watched Mr. Gaschke for their cue. Suddenly, music erupted from the speakers, and smiles appeared on the students’ faces. Their eyes shone with joy and excitement as they started to sing.

                                            

This scene took place at graduation practice just a few days before the commencement ceremony. It was the first time I was introduced to Mr. Gaschke and his gift of music.

Mr. Gaschke is a Residential Life Staff and Instructor at Shepherds College. Last year, he taught a Daily Living Skills class. He also leads a student Bible study on Thursday nights.

Students enjoy Mr. Gaschke’s classes because he incorporates a different method of learning. He uses music.

Mr. Gaschke and Rachel place flags on veterans' graves

Music is a fun and useful tool that promotes learning. Think about how you best memorize material. Do you use repetition? Do you create rhythm? Do you like to rhyme? All of those techniques for memorization are included in music.

Mr. Gaschke teaches his students songs that reinforce what they are learning. There’s a song for everything.

When they have a lesson about manners or social skills, Mr. Gaschke teaches them a song. When the students are learning new spiritual concepts during Bible study, they learn a song that emphasizes those concepts. When Mr. Gaschke passes out medications, he makes up a song (but that last one’s usually just to get some laughs out of the students).

“I loved how he used [music] to teach us the fruits of the Spirit,” first year student Katy said.

Mr. Gaschke has also found background music to be useful in the classroom setting. We all know school can be pretty stressful at times, but quiet, soothing background music can calm and relax the students. It reduces the tension of a stress-filled situation.

I smile as I remember the students singing at the graduation ceremony. They were having so much fun with the song they were singing, and the song’s lyrics were reminding the students to be like Jesus in all they do. It was so exciting to see them having fun while also learning about Jesus.

If you love music, you will really enjoy getting to know Mr. Gaschke. With music as his teaching tool, he makes learning fun, memorization easier, and situations less stressful. Who knew music could accomplish so much?

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