The Efficacy of Service-Learning in Students’ Engagements with Music Technology

Authors

  • Daniel Abrahams University of Arkansas - Fayetteville Author

Keywords:

Service-Learning, experiential learning, technology, Makey Makey

Abstract

Using Makey Makey boards, 10 undergraduate preservice students majoring in music education participated in a service-learning project teaching music to elementary school children. The constructs of experiential learning provided a theoretical framework and the basis for the following research questions: 
1. In what ways does service-learning assist college music education students in connecting theory to practice? 
2. In what ways does incorporating Makey Makey boards into the elementary music classroom foster an environment of creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking among the children? 
College students made meaningful connections between what they were learning in their college classes and real-world practice. Observations of the elementary school children revealed they learned to solve problems, collaborate, and create new ideas. 

Author Biography

  • Daniel Abrahams, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville

    Daniel Abrahams is Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville. He holds a Ph.D. in music education from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.  He has presented research at state, national and international conferences, as well as contributed several book chapters in edited publications. Daniel’s research interests include the acquisition of learner agency, and the use of reciprocal teaching in classroom music and ensembles. His dissertation research examined how pedagogy fosters personal and musical agency among beginning instrumental conductors. 

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Published

2024-02-04

Issue

Vol. 15 (2018)

Section

Articles