Computer-Assisted Teaching: A New Approach to Research in Music

Abstract

IN MUSIC EDUCATION, as in other fields, efforts are being made to develop and use new methods of presentation by utilizing theories of programed instruction. A substantial amount of research and application to music education has already been done. Many significant contributions have already been made in this relatively new area and new directions for research are becoming apparent. It would be impossible to mention here all the studies that are going on in programed instruction in music. Let it suffice to say that many of them reflect the psychological and theoretical bases of programed instruction. In music this has frequently taken the direction of incorporating the techniques used in foreign-language laboratories. Notable among such studies in programed learning in music are those by Spohn1 and Carlsen.2 Spohn developed new methods for the self-presentation of elemental materials of music, using methods and facilities of foreign-language laboratories. The study involved techniques of programing the elemental materials of music on magnetic tape. Material was presented in a series of small steps and was used to elicit individual student response. Student response was made by naming the correct interval and writing the answer on a worksheet.