Marvin Gaye: Analysis of Song Lyrics, QR Code Gallery Walk, and Presentations

Our Marvin Gaye unit included the analysis of song lyrics, critical listening of recorded songs, research involving iPads and QR codes, and presentations.

Students began by analyzing lyrics for "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "What's Going On", and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)." The objective was for students to identify the chorus section and determine the artist's message for each song, citing evidence from the text (lyrics) to support their conclusions. Students underlined key words and phrases that provided clues to each song's message, and circled the repeating phrases that they identified as the chorus sections. A class discussion and critical listening session followed. We took a "QR Gallery Walk" with our iPads, traveling in small groups, scanning QR code "exhibits" that were hanging throughout the classroom. Each QR code opened a page of text on Marvin Gaye, including his biography and an overview of his seminal album, "What's Going On." Students read each page, recorded their findings, and organized their information into a short presentation. After rehearsing and providing each other with constructive criticism, each group delivered its presentation in front of the class. Emphasis was placed on the use of effective communication skills (eye contact, articulation, projection, and confidence). Watch the three project highlight videos below!

#gallery #presentations