A Reflective Lens: Music Pedagogical Research to Transform Practice | Page 134

Benefits of Informal Learning Pedagogy and Popular Music with Normal Technical Students:
Self-Directed Learning through the Use of Technology

Conclusion

While informal learning approach presents a number of
merits, other issues that appeared point to the need for
balance and a good mix in music pedagogy that would be
more effective for the students involved.
If more scaffolding had been provided, the students might
have made better and faster progress. This points to how
Informal Learning pedagogy requires careful prior planning
by the teacher. In implementation, teacher expectation
would also need adjustments. The teacher would have to
be attentive to what is happening in the classroom and
adjust plans accordingly as he / she facilitates each group’s
music learning.
Along the way, as the students grappled with learning
from YouTube videos, it was clear that aural skills, which
are synonymous with Informal Learning pedagogy, was
not the only thing that aided the students. The students
had succeeded in putting up a performance because they
also relied on the visual aspects in their learning. The use
of YouTube tutorial videos as an integral part of informal
learning can be said to be a viable tool in learning;
especially so when online communities are thriving in this
modern age and appeals to our young people.
With better class management and set up, the use of
Youtube video tutorials via the informal learning approach
could be effective in music classes to facilitate students’
self-directed learning.

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