Mario Maxwell Müller 
The Baroque period in music history. Lesson planning for PYP and MYP 
IB Constructivist approach

Lesson Plan from the year 2022 in the subject Didactics – Common Didactics, Educational Objectives, Methods, grade: First Class, University of the People (Faculty of Education), course: Masters in Education (Advanced Teaching for Elementary, Middle and Secondary), language: English, abstract: The essay discusses using three constructivist approaches whilst encouraging students to be on task, reach their targets and attainable goals, whilst make sure all their educational needs are being readily met, through means of differentiated tasks. Lesson planning and setting outcomes, objectives and aims are essential especially when planning music lessons emphasizing the importance of music history and allowing students to differentiate between the composers of the Baroque period.

As part of lesson planning, it is essential to plan accordingly to your student’s educational needs whilst understanding how to differentiate in the classroom. Using the constructivist approach will allow educators to be able to set attainable goals for students to achieve. Working in collaboration with your students and enhancing their strengths will allow students to demonstrate their different Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATL) skills, whilst being risk-takers, and effective communicators within your classroom.

About the author

Mario Maxwell Muller studied and completed a Ph D in Philosophy (Arts, Social Sciences, and Education) at the University of Venda, South Africa). He has a triple master’s degree, First Class (with Distinction) from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, London College of Music, West London University, United Kingdom, and the University of the People, USA. Mario has been teaching for twenty-two years in different leadership positions and has taught at prestigious schools in South Africa, England, Thailand, India, Mexico, and Gabon. He enjoys being a risktaker, principled and effective communicator, whilst serving as a Senior Examiner for Music (HL) for the International Baccalaureate programme. He is currently enrolled on the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) under the LSSE, UK and in partnership with Cambridge University, and Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom.

Ensuring each child reaches their full potential through an IB curriculum is essential, through promoting inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning and collaboration for students to work together, with a strong emphasis on “International Mindedness”.