Learning and Teaching Approaches

The current situation for Swedish Music teacher training is characterised by a will to carry out music courses more in line with other more traditional university studies. ICT and different kinds of teaching technology are implemented to a high degree in the study environment. Even in instrument/singing courses, students have to study science theory and research methods and write an essay where they make comments and reflect on their artistic work. The following is an example from the syllabus of a 90 credit music course at Luleå University of Technology.

The course aim is that the student, from an artistic view, will deepen his/her own ability of musical interpretation, musical communication and knowledge in their main subject. The studies are based on the student's own experience and work and are thus aimed at developing the practice based experience to a reflective and communicative level. These deepened qualities are achieved by the artistic components of the main instrument, with a reflection on one's own research process and knowledge development, and with an understanding of scientific research methods. The student will independently write and defend an artistic/scientific 15 credit work. The examination work must be documented in audio form (CD, recordings etc.) and written text (essay).The documentation will be presented at an open seminar with discussion. The examination is marked by the examiner, based on the work as a whole, and by the scientific and artistic supervisor’s assessment. The student's own written self-evaluation is also included as part of the assessment.