EDM093-Enhancing Musical Learning with Digital Media

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: c.a.grant@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is concerned with music education as a field of study. It focuses on theories of learning and considers strategies for the development of skills and knowledge in the learner. A central focus is the creative use of digital technology within the classroom to enhance pupil progress. The module explores aspects of curriculum design and content to investigate how students view themselves as musicians. Through the consideration of what is meant by ‘musical learning’ we focus on how students demonstrate this in the classroom, and if digital media has a role to play in affecting pupils self-efficacy as a musician, and strategies to enhance pupil engagement and motivation in developing musical skills and understanding.  Through a series of lectures, seminars and practical workshops, participants are introduced to theoretical perspectives on the use of digital media with a focus on musical creativity, learning and assessment and their practical application in the music curriculum.

Aims:

1. To introduce students to key concepts in theories of learning in music education

2. To allow students to consider teaching strategies and approaches that stimulates different forms of musical experience, meaningful engagement, musical learning, motivation, creativity and teacher-learner interactions, monitoring and assessment.

3. To investigate how teachers and pupils voice and value their experiences in particular contexts and environments with specific software, hardware and forms of technology

4. To introduce reflective practices and research methodologies relevant to music teachers in developing their skills

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Present a rationale for adopting and/or a critique of a particular position towards using digital media in the music curriculum, such as policy, curriculum design, assessment, teaching approaches;


• Draw reflectively and critically upon their own educational experience and key literature about the nature of using digital media within the music classroom


• Explore the relationship between theory and practice in educational contexts.


• Develop academic writing, critical thinking and evaluation skills through examining


• different types of writing;


• Develop effective study skill approaches;


• Present ideas orally, thereby developing academic spoken English;


• Produce well-structured and well-argued assessments;


• Evaluate a range of information and question validity and reliability of each.


• To increase basic skill levels in using digital media applications.

Additional outcomes:

• Develop skills of collaboration;


• Have some basic facility in using software application such as GarageBand, Cubase, and other Apps applicable to digital technology in the classroom.


• Summarise and present key ideas to peers;

Outline content:

The module requires students to engage with research relating to theories of learning in music education with a focus on using digital media in the classroom. Students are expected to develop a broad perspective on a range of digital media topics in order to engage critically with the discipline and to make inter-disciplinary connections where applicable. Students may cover such topics as:

Changing Identities

• Current research and practice in using digital media in the classroom, exploring the challenges posed by teaching composition to teenagers and some solutions the use of digital media might provide.

Researching Digital Classrooms

• Creative approaches to composing and performing, the impact of the internet and e-learning environments, and evaluating the impact of embedding collaborative digital media in schools

Strategies for Change

• Exploring pedagogical strategies for change within the digital classroom, its implications for music education and training, and learning from the work done in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong

Students will also be expected to develop their practical skills in using the Digital Media provided by the University in the Music Department as independent study.

Global context:

This module will enable students to compare and contrast their respective country education systems, and will be expected to work in mixed groups to compare and contrast their own educational experiences, therefore there will be a good deal of discussion of global issues related to the use of digital media within music education.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will be conducted using lectures, group discussions, and guided independent study. The sessions will draw upon key readings and the students’ own experience of education.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Presentation: one formal individual oral presentation (30%) exploring the design of a specific application of digital media within music education.  Written coursework: one essay of 3,000 words consisting of a detailed written study (70%).

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be set regular reading which will be receive feedback through discussions in class, and practical tasks in the use of digital media.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmissions must be submitted within one calendar month of the notification of failure.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 10 April 2019