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rative slideshow for each choir using software programs also provides teachers with more meaningful data to in-
like Mentimeter, Nearpod, or Google Slides. Each stu- form their instruction. By embracing these approaches,
dent takes ownership of a single slide and contributes teachers can create a more comprehensive and equita-
to the topic of the slideshow, or they can choose their ble evaluation system that truly reflects students’ musical
own topic within set parameters. The content must re- abilities and progress, ultimately leading to more effec-
late to what we are singing or studying, or what they tive and rewarding choral education experiences.
are learning in other classes, to ensure a connection is
made to their personal lives. Students have expressed Skyler Bluemel is a graduate teaching assistant at Lou-
how much they ended up enjoying the experience, not- isiana State University. sbluem1@lsu.edu
ing feelings of collaboration and satisfaction when the
slideshow is finished. I display the running slideshow
next to my area at parent-teacher conferences as well QR code for
as email a link to all of my students’ parents/guardians Supplemental Resources
and the rest of the school’s faculty, staff, and adminis-
tration; this often receives quite a bit of positive feed-
back.
A “self-interview” can be a helpful way to assess Suggested Technology Tools
students’ connections to class content and their per-
sonal experiences. Students will choose a current class Apple Inc.,
song and conduct an “interview” either by filling out a GarageBand Computer software
simple digital document using Google Forms or Goo- https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband/
gle Docs, or by including actual video footage of the
students responding to the questions using recording Audacity Team,
tools such as a camera application. I especially like the Audacity Computer software
assessment for its flexibility, relevance to social media, https://www.audacityteam.org
and technology integration. Students enjoy the creativ-
ity of the assessment, which often results in engaging Blooket LLC,
and sometimes hilarious interviews. Blooket Educational platform
https://www.blooket.com

Exit Ticket Canva Pty Ltd.,
Addressing effective assessment in the choral class- Canva Graphic design software
room is crucial for fostering genuine musical growth https://www.canva.com
and aligning teaching practices with educational stan-
dards. This article has explored various strategies for Gimkit LLC,
evaluating students based on musical content knowl- Gimkit Educational platform
edge rather than non-achievement skills, addressing https://www.gimkit.com
the four strands of the National Core Arts Standards:
Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. Instructure,
By implementing innovative assessment methods such Canvas Learning management system
as those discussed in this article, choral educators can https://www.instructure.com/canvas
more effectively gauge their students’ musical develop-
ment while maintaining engaging and efficient class- Kahoot! AS,
room practices. Kahoot Educational platform
The shift toward content-based assessment not only https://www.kahoot.com
enhances the educational experience for students but

CHORAL JOURNAL October 2025 Volume 66 Number 3 47