Music 314
Foundations & Principles of Music Education

Dr. Peter LaRue, Instructor

Handout - Talking Points #5

Objectives in Music Education

OBJECTIVES ARE ... CLEAR STATEMENTS OF VALUES, GOALS OR DIRECTIONS OF EDUCATION

Four Levels of Objectives:
1)  broad social objectives
2)  concrete social objectives
3)  program objectives
4) instructional objectives

Broad Social Objectives.....are stated on the highest level of generalization and serve to provide the philosophical basis for each successively more concrete and specific level of objectives.

examples: a. need for a literate, well‑informed citizenry or b. equality of opportunity for each individual

Concrete Social Objectives.....serve to bridge the gap between broad social objectives which define education and the operational levels of objectives which include program and instructional objectives. Music educators must use concrete social objectives as a point of departure and define competencies which will enable students to use music both as a source of focus for aesthetic interests, recreational resources and intellectual interests

examples: objectives concerning health, ethical character, use of leisure time, civic education, vocation, home and command of fundamental  processes

Program Objectives.....are on the operational level and give explicit direction to the total music program. Objectives on this level should include all different types of learning involved in a particular subject; including knowledge, attitude, skills, appreciations and initiatives.

example: objectives concerned with the musical learnings students will have at the  end of a given course or year [e. g. knowledge of AABA  for or  artists from Jazz's "Big Band" era]

Instructional Objectives......serve to give direction to day to day teaching and learning in the classroom. Must be very specific, concrete and include the following ...
a. desired learning (b flat scale)
b. time frame (in a week)
c. experiences (through daily practice)
d. evaluation (95% ok at MM=120, etc)