ERIC Number: EJ1069192
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Jul
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4294
EISSN: N/A
Situational Interest of Fourth-Grade Children in Music at School
Roberts, J. Christopher
Journal of Research in Music Education, v63 n2 p180-197 Jul 2015
The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of common elementary music class activities that elicit situational interest, the short-term interest that emerges spontaneously in learners when faced with environmental factors in an educational experience. An instrumental case study approach was employed, with 24 fourth-grade children serving as participants, at a school in which the researcher was the music teacher. Over a 4-month period of engagement, data were gathered through small-group interviews, writing experiences, one-item surveys, videotaped observations of class periods, and examination of material culture. Analysis based on open and focused coding processes revealed that lessons containing elements of novelty, kinesthetic activity, self-efficacy, challenge, and creativity led to increased situational interest. Incorporating these themes into music classroom activities may be a way to enhance children's interest in the experiences, leading to more increased engagement and improved performance outcomes.
Descriptors: Grade 4, Elementary School Students, Music Education, Learning Activities, Student Interests, Learner Engagement, Surveys, Video Technology, Coding, Novelty (Stimulus Dimension), Kinesthetic Methods, Self Efficacy, Difficulty Level, Creativity, Case Studies, Semi Structured Interviews, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Student Motivation, Interviews, Participant Observation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A