Direct Instruction
DMDL curriculum and pedagogy uses a direct instructional approach that connects music to life skills. DMDL programs ansd services help students improve perceptive listening, critical thinking and creative participation. DMDL interactive curriculum is based on best practices, Illinois state standards, scientific research and theories of multiple intelligences. DMDL methodology embraces the concept that students discover themselves during the process of listening to and making music. The DMDL methodology teaches:
- Listening (input)
- Thinking (connect and transfer of information)
- Creative participation (output)
Listening to music as an activity that engages the entire mind. Students learn to decipher and relate experiential information into postitive behavior. When students are engaged and having fun, it reduces the amount of idle time that can be used to commit violent acts, and learning strategies can be easily applied. Participation in music related learning and performance builds self esteem, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment as students grasp concepts that are relevant to their everyday lives and gain a new perspective on learning.
DMDL service providers, using a mentoring approach, motivate and encourage students to pursue excellence in all areas of concentration. Service providers are highly qualified and properly trained to integrate themselves into the school culture, thereby, leading students on a path to self discovery.
Tutoring
The DMDL Title I Tutorin initiative provides assistance, in a small group setting, based on an assessment of student needs, supporting the classroom curriculum and state standards. DMDL's approach to student-centered learning is based upon Howard Gardner's theory of "multiple intelligences," which suggests that different brains learn in different ways and that these intelligences should be integrated in interdisciplinary learning to maximize a child's ability to retain and process information. The educational activities used in DMDL programs, through the exercise of "connect and transfer," harnesses multiple intelligences and make connections with key concepts in core disciplines (reading and math) to create a more effective learning environment.
DMDL Instructors are comprised of BA or better academic tutors and counselors, and highly qualified arts professionals who are required to initiate and maintain ongoing, documented collaborative communication with the regular classroom teacher and other service provides at least once a week.
Students participate in pre and post assessments, which enable instructors to coach them in planning for success. Other measurements include students portfolios and teacher assessments.