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Date of Graduation
12-18-2020
Semester of Graduation
Fall
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Music (MM)
Department
School of Music
Advisor(s)
William M. Dabback
Amy B. Lewis
David Stringham
Abstract
In this qualitative case study, I investigated the philosophy and process of an elementary newcomer program and explored the perceived benefits for newcomer students of the musical experience, aiding in transition from full-time English as a second language (ESL) services in self-contained class to a general education setting. The studied school division serves a high population of students who are English Language Learners (ELLs), representing a multitude of languages and cultures. The division places students of immigrant families who have no social or educational experience speaking English in the newcomer program. In order to gain a deep understanding of the musical experience provided for newcomer students, I interviewed the music teacher, building administrator, and division coordinator of English language services. Three semi-structured interviews informed the data analysis, using intrinsic motivational theory as a theoretical framework, with the notion that the three participants upheld the conditions of accessing newcomer students’ inherent motivation.
Results indicated that education professionals perceived that music, when taught through a culturally responsive philosophy, welcomes newcomer students into the school community; develops a positive student disposition for learning each other’s cultures and the new culture to which they are trying to assimilate; enhances meaning regarding language acquisition and development of identity; and engenders competence, putting the students at the center of learning. Therefore, music education should receive strong consideration when planning instruction for newcomer students and ELLs in general. Furthermore, music educators should receive pre-service and in-service training on how to effectively teach students of diverse cultures and languages with a culturally responsive teaching philosophy. Newcomer programs could also benefit from collaboration between music educators, ESL educators, and culturally representative musicians in the community. The implementation of these recommendations could potentially result in stronger cultural identities among immigrant students and more efficient English language acquisition for ELLs.
Recommended Citation
Strawderman, Jessica, "The connections of music, culture, and language: A qualitative case study of the musical experience of a newcomer program" (2020). Masters Theses, 2020-current. 65.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/masters202029/65
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Language and Literacy Education Commons, Music Education Commons
