The role of choral singing in the modern school curriculum

Radočaj-Jerković, Antoaneta. (2016). The role of choral singing in the modern school curriculum. PhD Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Pedagogy.
(Poslijediplomski doktorski studij pedagogije) [mentor Rojko, Pavel].

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Abstract

Reflections on the curriculum of a modern school are bringing new challenges to pedagogy as a science and as a trade. A curriculas characteristic philosophy of constant changes (Previšić, 2007) implies a need to revalue all elements and baselines of education and therefore the role of art in school life. This thesis shall analyze the area of musical art as well as the primary musical activities related to choirs in the educational system of Croatia. It has been discovered that choir singing is omnipresent but insufficiently examined. This paper offers an overview of the situation in practice on all levels and in all the forms of institutionalized education (elementary school, middle school and higher education, compulsory and general education as well as elective musical education.) Based on the results of a research on a sample of music teachers, choir leaders and students-choir singers as well as the analysis of relevant literature, guidelines are given to improve the quality of the coordination of choir singing in schools and the general goals of modern education, the interests of students and teachers as well as the endeavours of experts for a wider artistic influence and actions in the realm of creating a modern school culture. The theoretical part considers the questions of the theory of curricula, culture, art, musical art and choir singing in schools. A historical connection has been established between singing as an individual activity and singing as a group student activity in schools which include developing a general musical education. Research has established elements which influence the success of choir singing, solicit interest in students and lead to possible progress. In order to optimize the results of singing in school choirs, it is necessary to structure school choir curricula in schools and base them on modern musical and pedagogical principles. Changes in the approach which such a curriculum entails are equally applied to the activities of the teacher as well as the pupils and they include the following: uniform action to realise all roles in choir singing in schools; a better choice of music teaching matter; growing competencies and on-going education of teachers in the field of choirs; building and nurturing the relationship between teacher, pupils and parents; involving the pupils in the process of curriculum creation as co-creators; encouraging active co-working between students; developing and affirming a student’s personality; stimulating creative abilities and interests and promoting universal human values.

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