Published: March 26, 2009 01:20 pm      

Learning by doing | Electives prove to be fun and interesting

BY JENNA MIDDLETON

FOREST HILLS JUNIOR

Forest Hills High School has recognized individual talent by developing new and exciting classes.

Drama and speech, taught by Melissa Livermore, and world music and African drumming, taught by Cory Neville, encourage students to think.

As we know, the right side of the brain is the part that is more creative and used less often.

Whereas, the left side of the brain is the logical thinking part that is generally expected to be used in mechanical tasks.

This year, Neville was excited to learn that there was space available for a new music class in which students could broaden their horizons.

“I think there are a lot of students in this school who enjoy classes that challenge their way of thinking,” Neville said.

The world music and African drumming class uses hands-on techniques to teach the concepts of music as communication and therapy.

For those who are not apt to performing in class, music and art humanities are available as electives.

Although these electives prove fun and interesting, they are also educational in ways that help prepare students for their futures.

The speech class allows students to gain skill and confidence in public speaking.

“Public speaking is a skill required in any occupation,” Livermore said.

She also said that the graduation-project requirements involve speaking abilities.

Drama, which boosts student activity in the classroom, is another elective which has been added to this year’s roster.

Livermore, the drama director, said “If you want to be in the Drama Club, the class would be a good idea.”

Many people in Forest Hills, students and teachers alike, are excited about the new classes because they believe it proves learning by doing creates lifelong learning.