I'm Only the Trombone Player

Teachable Moments

Exactly what is a Teachable Moment?

"The concept was popularized by Robert Havighurst in his 1952 book, "Human Development and Education". In the context of education theory, Havighurst explained,

"A developmental task is a task which is learned at a specific point and which makes achievement of succeeding tasks possible. When the timing is right, the ability to learn a particular task will be possible. This is referred to as a 'teachable moment.' It is important to keep in mind that unless the time is right, learning will not occur. Hence, it is important to repeat important points whenever possible so that when a student's teachable moment occurs, s/he can benefit from the knowledge."[1]
The concept pre-dates Havighurst's book, as does use of the phrase,[2] but he is credited with popularizing it.[3]

The phrase sometimes denotes not a developmental stage, but rather "that moment when a unique, high interest situation arises that lends itself to discussion of a particular topic."[4] It implies "personal engagement" with issues and problems.[5]

These moments can (and often do) come when least expected. Teachers and parents alike can benefit from use of teachable moments." Wikipedia  

Educators tend to expand that definition to things that can be taught along with and in addition to the material presented.

Take for example a Music History lesson involving Minstral Shows  ; A horribly racist precursor of vaudeville and the musical comedy form.

Its portrayal of blacks, mostly done by white performers featured in black face, would by today's standards be deemed extremely offensive — rightfully so.

But, as noted above, it is an important (yet flawed) piece of music history. As racist and offensive as it is by today's standards it reflected the status quo of its era. It has direct ties to the vaudevillian concept of entertainment and if one seeks out the musical comedy form, one can see direct correlations.

What's a teacher to do?

The choices are;

Ignore the form, it is racist, it is offensive, and should be erased from music history.

Teach the form, and seize the teachable moment. Teaching not only the importance of the form and its place in music history but the inherent racism of the form and its time period.

The latter is what good teachers do, covering all the material, not just the shiny parts, include the gritty darkness.

And, that's why I vehemently oppose removing songs or forms from the repertoire. It is also why I oppose removing books from publication.

It's our job to use every tool available to educate and enlighten our students, sometimes those tools are mean, racist, and offensive. Let us do our jobs — Uncensored!

Removing Geisel's early works from publication served no purpose other than to appease and placate some sensibilities — we missed a teachable moment.

Which books are next? Clemens for its racist portrayals? Perhaps Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"? Which by the way have or were banned by some schools and libraries.

Where is the line drawn?

Should Wagner's operas be banned? Based on the fact that they instilled a sense of Nationalism? If so what about the Country Western tune "I'm Proud To Be An American"?

Again, where is the boundary?

Or do we just use the tools to educate?