Challenges of the Music Classroom: Perceptions of Teachers and Administrators
Classroom management is one component necessary to the success of any classroom. Typical student concerns, such as discipline and motivation, can be positively addressed when the learning environment is grounded in effective management. In the music class, large class sizes and other logistical issu...
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| Format: | Others |
| Language: | English English |
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Florida State University
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| Online Access: | http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-4691 |
| Summary: | Classroom management is one component necessary to the success of any classroom. Typical student concerns, such as discipline and motivation, can be positively addressed when the learning environment is grounded in effective management. In the music class, large class sizes and other logistical issues can magnify typical concerns, making management even more necessary. While research has identified several areas that continue to plague beginning music teachers, very few studies have explored whether management is the primary cause of those areas. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if classroom management was perceived as the main reason for the frequent challenges music teachers experienced. Public school music teachers (n=90) and administrators (n=90) from around the United States were sent an email which included a link to an online survey. They were asked to submit frequent challenges music teachers faced, the reasons for the challenges, and suggestions for minimizing the challenges. The responses identified common concerns that were categorized into seven main areas: enrollment, motivation, resources, scheduling, student behaviors, support, and teacher responsibilities. Classroom management was not perceived as the main reason for the challenges by the majority of participants, although 63% of beginning teachers believed it was the cause of many of their concerns. Other reasons provided for the challenges included minimal parental and administrative support, the economy and budget cuts, and educational priorities effect on non-tested classes. Suggestions primarily centered on the teachers' responsibility for management and instruction, but also included ideas for funding, scheduling, and gaining support for music education. This study contributes to existing literature regarding the problems of music teachers, and furnishes data useful to teacher education, administrators, and music teachers at all stages. === A Dissertation submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Fall Semester, 2011. === October 21, 2011. === Administrators, Challenges, Classroom management, Music Education, Perceptions, Teachers === Includes bibliographical references. === Kimberly VanWeelden, Professor Directing Dissertation; Wanda Brister, University Representative; William Fredrickson, Committee Member; Steve Kelly, Committee Member. |
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