An Exploration of a Professional Development Course for Instrumental Music Educators

• In Event: 31.091 - Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 31.091-16 - Qualitative Studies of Music Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the experiences of instrumental music teachers in Designing Arts Instruction (DAI), a professional development course. DAI topics centered on three main areas: curriculum development, pedagogy and feedback and assessment. Multiple forms of data were collected and included participants’ reflections; researcher/facilitator journal and field notes; and structured individual interviews. Analysis revealed that curriculum development and rubric writing were particularly relevant for participants’ current teaching situations. Participants recognized creative activities such as improvising and composing as important for students’ musical understanding and growth. Collaboration with one another emerged as the feature of the course that contributed most to participants’ overall growth. Implications for music teacher professional development are included.

Author

• Tami J. Draves, The University of Arizona