New website launched to connect music educators Nationwide
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is spearheading a new project funded by the Carrick
Institute aimed at collaboratively developing new curriculum models for music education.
Developed by lecturers at the University of Southern Queensland, Griffith University and the University of Tasmania, the project uses problem-based learning and assessment techniques to prepare pre-service teachers for the realities of music education.
USQ education lecturer and project co-ordinator Dr Julie Ballantyne said the project would directly address a number of recommendations emerging from a report released by Federal Education Minister Julie Bishop last week.
'The project has been designed to provide a greater connection between research and teaching in Australian music education,' Dr Ballantyne said.
'It also looks to address academic isolation through inter-institutional collaboration.
'Lecturers, teachers and students are being urged to log onto project website www.musicteachersoz.org to find out what's happening in music education Australia-wide, suggest areas for research and connect with other music educators about strategies and issues relating to teaching music.'
Dr Ballantyne said a key feature of the project would involve university education students solving ‘authentic' music education problems provided by Australian teachers.
'Effective learning occurs where students are able to draw upon their own prior knowledge to build confidence and understanding in music use, both as students and teachers,' she said.
'It's exciting for students, because they'll be able to use their own experiences and communities as a basis for solving the problems.
'Music education academics can benefit by connecting with one another and sharing opinions on issues in music teacher education, sharing resources, news items and innovative practices.
'Running the project across four universities means lecturers, teachers and students will, for the first time, have meaningful opportunities for networking and collaboration.
'We will use the project's recommendations to develop new curriculum models across institutions in Australian music teacher education,' Dr Ballantyne said.
To get involved, or for more information, log onto www.musicteachersoz.org, email or contact Dr Julie Ballantyne on telephone 07 3470 4345 or email musicteachersoz@usq.edu.au
Support for this project has been approved by The Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
Media Contact: Sam Ireland, USQ Media, 07 3470 4117 or 0428 102 979