Using a Musicianship Portfolio as Assessment of Music and Education Course Objectives in a “Music for Elementary Teachers” Course

Abstract

This study explores the use of a portfolio to document and assess development of musicianship in a university course on elementary music methods for early childhood and elementary education majors. The researcher develops and implements the portfolio during two semesters, and students complete a survey regarding the perceived usefulness of the assignment. Survey feedback suggests an appreciation on the part of students regarding the usefulness of the portfolio relative to their learning in the course. Students indicate that the portfolio helped them to understand what musicianship is and become aware of and grow in their own musicianship. The results also suggest that the portfolio was a valuable tool for students to synthesize their learning in the course. The majority of students respond that they believed musicianship was an important part of the course; this belief could be due in part to the experience of creating the portfolio.