Thinking out loud.....

I have also shared this on my SIG.

Over the past few weeks I have been focusing my thoughts in my BAPP journal in on the classes in which I am preparing students for exams.

I came up with a few points/questions that I could look into further. It would be great to hear your thoughts on them....

-I have noticed that students who have done 2 or more exams can become complacent. The format of the exam is very similar as you move through the levels. I think that they take an attitude that they know what to do. So they in fact take longer to learn the material and don't try as hard. This can also be to do with the students getting older and becoming more laid back in attitude. Would it be worth thinking of shaking up the format for higher grades?

-Also I think some of our younger students get through the early stages relatively quickly and then struggle with the theory (comparing and contrasting two pieces) in the higher levels. How do exam boards set the guidelines for which levels are appropriate for which age? They are not like school based exams. You could start the syllabus at different ages.

-I've also been wandering about the benefits of private lessons vs group lessons? What would the examiners recommend? What do teachers prefer? Does it depend on the student what works best for you? In private lessons you can be more precise and spend more time. However, in group lessons you can learn from your peers which can be invaluable. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Thanks!!