Pedagogical Approaches Enhancing Students’ Musical Creativity in Selected Secondary Music Classes Delivered via Videoconferencing

Abstract

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate what pedagogical approaches music teachers used to facilitate students’ musical creativity in selected secondary music classes. In 2020 the global pandemic significantly affected music education and the way in which teachers taught and students learnt. Teachers and students began teaching and learning via videoconferencing which resulted in students learning in both synchronous and asynchronous ways. Using a case study approach, this study drew upon secondary music teachers, classes and students in Year 8 and Year 10. The study used a qualitative approached where data were collected by classroom observations via videoconferencing using <i>Zoom^TM</i> and Microsoft <i>Teams^TM</i>, teachers and student focus group interviews via <i>Zoom^TM</i>, and the use of an online music experience questionnaire using Qualtrics.</p> <p>Four aspects were identified that affect student’s musical creativity. They were the types of musical activities, the pedagogical approaches of teachers, the music software functions and the learning environment of students. To maximise the facilitation of students’ creativity, tasks that were more towards divergent and convergent tasks were chosen that were appropriate to the music experience and skill level of students. Teachers used openended, partially open-ended and step-by-step instruction in the tasks students completed via videoconferencing. To assist the music learning experience of students via videoconferencing, students used visual & sound-based and notation-based music software. A comparison between learning face-to-face and online demonstrated that students were able to manage their time, work on tasks at their own speed and communicate with their teacher in unique ways such as through videoconferencing chat, breakout rooms and email.</p> <p>This study bridges a gap between teaching methods pedagogy, ICT and creative psychological studies. It benefits music teachers, music programs in schools and assists and supports the learning and teaching in the wider school community. The study allows teacher participants to further enhance their students teaching pedagogy in musical creativity in the secondary music classroom.</p>