A Reflective Lens: Music Pedagogical Research to Transform Practice | Page 25

A Reflective Lens:
Music Pedagogical Research to Transform Practice

thinking’. They were also able to communicate effectively,
express their ideas, manage the information given to them
from the first few lessons, and apply the knowledge into
their composition activities. In doing so, they displayed
‘information and communication skills’; which is one of the
Emerging 21st Century Competencies as well (MOE, 2010).
These two Emerging 21CC were developed through the
nature of the tasks, which required them to collaborate
and co-operate in order to solve a complex problem (i.e. a
problem that consists of multiple parts to solve).
It was also evident that in the process, students gained
self-awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, and
also exercised self-control to minimise conflicts within the
group. There were also some instances in which the group
analysed the members’ weaknesses and strengths before
making a decision.

No, I am not good at singing.
Can I play the percussion
instrument please?
[Student I, Personal
Communication during Lesson]

So we chose Student B to play the
melody because she is very clear and
she can play the complicated notes
really fast.
[Student A, Personal Communication
during Lesson]

Besides self-awareness, it was evident that students learnt
how to be socially aware that everyone had different ideas
and they had to appreciate and respect the differences.
From the transcripts of the group discussions, it was evident
that as the lesson progressed, they argued less and were
less critical of the ideas suggested. Feedback was given
in a constructive manner. Their relationship management
skills also developed.

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