I often say out loud, to nobody in particular, that band directors are masters of classroom-based assessment, that we are constantly ‘testing’ our musicians, evaluating and offering feedback. It is usually in the context of a faculty development day, during which we are being ‘taught’ that evaluation and feedback are important for our students’ success. Duh.
Testing is valuable as a teaching/learning tool. I’ve heard it said that if one is not growing, then one is dying! Testing our limits, our skills, our endurance, our knowledge helps us grow.
God’s testing of Abraham was on the level of a final exam! I’ve preached on this passage, and included examples of earlier times in Abraham’s journey when he was tested. Often times, he failed! But God was always faithful, and saved Abraham from his mistakes every time. God’s faithfulness enabled Abraham to pass this final test. He trusted that God would save him again.
So, in what kind of testing are we to engage our students? Nothing so serious as bodily sacrifice! There are performance tests, when we ask our students to play scales or musical passages, or spell chords, or march backward. But I think the testing of our teacher/student relationships may be just as important for our students’ growth. What I mean is, do you do what you say you will do? When you tell students they will get a break, do they get the break, or do you plow through it to the end of rehearsal? After you tell students they can come to talk to you about their grades/schedules/life during lunch, do you stop eating to listen? When a student brings up a conflict and you tell them ‘we will work it out,’ do you work it out by talking to parents about it/figuring out alternative assignments/rescheduling events (I know, sometimes they just have to suffer the consequences of the conflict)? WE are the ones who get tested! Our students want to know if we are faithful. If we help them through the little tests, they will be willing to follow us into the bigger challenges, as long as we are faithful.
You will mess up. You are not perfect. Remember to communicate with your students, especially when you fail. Admit your mistakes. Ask for forgiveness. Your willingness to be honest and contrite with your students in those situations is your big test. If you ace that one, your students will do most anything you ask of them.