Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate K-4 pre-service classroom teachers’ beliefs about useful skills, understandings, and future practices in music. Questionnaire (N=74) and interview (N=35) data were gathered from teacher candidates enrolled in music methods courses at a large, western Canadian university. Music skills and understandings such as singing, listening, and integrating music across other subject areas were rated as "most useful," indicating a definite valuing of pedagogical content knowledge over content knowledge like music fundamentals, music history, or playing accompaniment instruments. Future music practices discussed by pre-service teachers were closely aligned to the beliefs they hold about the benefits of using music to achieve their own classroom teaching goals. No evidence was found to suggest they were able to take on the role of the music specialist. Recommendations for designing music courses for K-4 classroom teachers and future research are offered.
Recommended Citation
Morin, Francine
(2004)
"K-4 Pre-Service Classroom Teachers' Beliefs About Useful Skills, Understandings and Future Practice in Music,"
Research & Issues in Music Education: Vol. 2:
No.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/rime/vol2/iss1/2