Problem-Based Learning in the College Music Classroom

Problem-Based Learning in the College Music Classroom explores the core tenets of Problem-Based Learning. PBL is an effective, student-centered approach in which students learn higher-order thinking skills and integrative strategies by solving real-world challenges—not often employed in music classrooms. Yet such courses are uniquely situated to advance this innovative pedagogical approach. This volume sheds light on PBL best practices in survey and topic-based music courses while integrating general education content, discussing implementation, materials, methods, and challenges, and encouraging readers to think creatively to develop flexible solutions for large-scale issues.

Bookended by introductory and concluding chapters that delve into the history, theory, application, and assessment of PBL, the text collects classroom-tested case studies from eleven contributing authors in:

• Music History and Appreciation
• Ethnomusicology
• Music and Movement
• Music Theory and Education

Problem-Based Learning in the College Music Classroom paves the way for pedagogical discovery in this unexplored area, encouraging teachers and graduate students to move curricula goals forward—and ultimately to move students toward innovation and engagement.

Problem-Based Learning in the College Music Classroom explores the core tenets of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). PBL is an effective, student-centered approach in which students learn higher-order thinking skills and integrative strategies by solving real-world challenges - not often employed in music classrooms. Yet such courses are uniquely situated to advance this innovative pedagogical approach. This volume sheds light on PBL best practices in survey- and topic-based music courses while integrating general education content, discussing implementation, materials, methods, and challenges, and encouraging readers to think creatively to develop flexible solutions for large-scale issues.

Bookended by introductory and concluding chapters that delve into the history, theory, application, and assessment of PBL, the text collects classroom-tested case studies from eleven contributing authors in:

• Music History and Appreciation
• Ethnomusicology
• Music and Movement
• Music Theory and Education

Problem-Based Learning in the College Music Classroom paves the way for pedagogical discovery in this unexplored area, encouraging teachers and graduate students to move curricula goals forward - and ultimately to move students toward innovation and engagement.