An Exploratory Study of Secondary School Pupils’ Perspectives Regarding the Student Teachers in their Music Classrooms

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine how pupils view the student teachers in their classrooms. In this exploratory study, secondary school music students were asked to offer their insights about the student teachers assigned to their music classes as well as discuss their feelings regarding the experience of being taught by a student teacher. Participants in this study were 248 middle and high school students from a medium-sized southern city who were enrolled in one of three types of school ensemble: band, choir, or orchestra. Seven student teachers were represented in this study. In a 20-question survey, pupils were asked to respond to questions regarding the student teacher’s warmth, enthusiasm, and fairness; preparation and delivery; classroom management; and knowledge of subject matter or musicianship. Pupils rated the student teachers favorably in creating good relationships with the students and in improving their teaching skills. Certain delivery and classroom management skills were rated lower.