| Popis: |
The purpose of this study was to attempt to find out which components and skills experts agree are foundational for a successful, first-year string-instrument, K-8 classroom. Subjects were hypothetical first-year string students with no previous playing experience. A three-round, modified Delphi Technique survey, involving a panel of twenty experts, was used to seek consensus on issues. Round 1 consisted of 40 questions/statements on six topics: general satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the state of first-year string education today; teaching location; variables relating to class structure such as age, class size, class frequency, class length, and class grouping (heterogeneous/homogeneous); method books; first-year performances; and, a section of additional topics. At the completion of Round 1, consensus was reached for nine items: 1) community schools provide a positive teaching location; 2) commercial music houses are not suitable for teaching first-year string classes; 3) age 3-5 is too young to start beginning string students in a class setting; 4) 45 minutes is an ideal class length; 5) beginning string classes should meet 2-3 times a week; 6) 25 or more students is too large a class size; 7) minimum standards and requirements for future teachers of beginning string classes need to be established; 8) first-year string classes should have at least one public performance; and, 9) ASTA should be the primary tool for disseminating information to string professionals. These items were excluded from Round 2 because consensus had been attained. Round 2 was a refinement of Round 1. The comments made by panelists in Round 1 and the items that had not reached consensus in round 1, formed the basis for new questions/statements in Round 2. Consensus was reached on most items in Round 3. Consensus was not reached on two topics: 1) whether the panelists perceived there is more ear training in first-year string classes now than 10-15 years ago; and, 2) whether having an ability to pace a class appropriately, and having a sensense of humor are among the two most important attributes of a teacher of first-year string classes. |
