Cooperation and Collaboration: The Influences of Classroom Culture on Students' Participation in Creative Musical Activities

• In Event: 75.051 - Music Education in Middle Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the classroom culture of a middle school music class and illuminate how it influenced students’ participation in creative musical activities, if at all. Data sources included interviews with one music technology teacher and four students, one student focus group interview, field notes, and recordings of classes. Findings determined that the classroom culture, which includes constructive criticism and positive interactions regarding student compositions, continually encouraged and affirmed students’ efforts to compose works that were meaningful to them. Educators of all types of music classes who value these activities and seek to implement them in their classes may wish to implement a similar culture for their classrooms and determine how to create it with their students.

Author

• Daniel Albert, Augsburg College