Musical contracts: fostering student participation in the instructional process

Abstract

Contract learning is an approach to classroom instruction that emphasizes teacher-student collaboration in the teaching-learning process. Participation in instructional decision-making encourages students to take responsibility for what happens to them, and it engenders a greater sense of commitment to the outcomes of the music program. In music education, where large group performance-based instruction is prevalent, students often feel that they are alienated, and the programs do not meet their personal needs. This article illustrates how the strategy can be adapted for music instruction, and outlines the benefits that contract learning offers for fostering student participation in the instructional process.