Essay from the year 2022 in the subject Pedagogy – School System, Educational and School Politics, grade: Summa Cum Laude, , course: Masters in Education (Advanced Teaching for Elementary, Middle and Secondary), language: English, abstract: In the following essay, the author will introduce a narrative conversation between the Physical Education Head of Department and the Music Coordinator at an International School, based in West Africa. This is School, which follows the IB curriculum and encourages students to always strive for excellence despite their cultural background, socioeconomic, and academic status. The importance of understanding what a curriculum involves is imperative in any International School setting. Teachers need to be briefed and part of the process of understanding how to implement a successful curriculum focussing on the educational needs of each individual student. The advantages of putting a curriculum together that promote academic excellence, and allows students to achieve their targets, goals and objectives are essential.
Om författaren
Dr Mario Maxwell Muller studied and completed a Ph D in Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) 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 (Whilst studying at the University of the People, he concluded research papers on his research outputs in consultation with his supervisors Prof Geoff Mapaya, and Prof Mashua from the University of Venda, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences, and Education SA).
He is currently an Academic reviewer for the South African Journal of Education, South Africa, whilst working full-time in Kenya. Dr Muller is an experienced Deputy Head of School, Author, Music Educationalist, Researcher, and IB Examiner. He recently concluded his NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) course with LLSE, UK and in partnership with Cambridge University, and Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom, and obtained all his degrees First Class/Distinction/Summa Cum Laude.
He was nominated among 13000 applications to be part of the six nominees representing West Africa for the Cambridge Dedicated Teachers Award for 2021, which was a great overall achievement.
His current research interests include STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Music Education, Comparative Education, Curriculum Development, and Innovation globally.
He has published 7 articles in various journals including the International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research (IJSSHR), the International Journal of Thesis Projects and Dissertations (IJTPD), and the International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (IJIRI).
Dr Muller has been teaching for twenty-three years in different leadership positions and has taught at prestigious schools in South Africa, England, Thailand, India, Mexico, Kenya, and Gabon.
He enjoys being a risktaker, principled and effective communicator, whilst serving as an Examiner for Music (HL & SL) for the International Baccalaureate programme.
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”.