ERIC Number: EJ1254982
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-May-12
Pages: 53
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1529-8094
EISSN: N/A
A Musical Perspective on STEM: Evaluating the EcoSonic Playground Project from a Co-Equal STEAM Integration Standpoint
Johnson-Green, Elissa; Lee, Christopher; Flannery, Michael
International Journal of Education & the Arts, v21 n14 May 2020
Research on teaching and learning in integrated education has focused on connections between arts and non-arts domains to provide a comprehensive experience for K-12 learners. Recently, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education has explored arts integration for more effective STEM learning. However, effective integration is often elusive; the arts are sometimes diluted as a consequence of well-intentioned integration within STEM subjects, with STEM learning risking similar superficial treatment within arts curricula. This qualitative pilot study focuses on The EcoSonic Playground Project (ESPP) -- an integrated STEAM project for students of all ages -- and evaluates its effectiveness from a co-equal integration standpoint, where participants use skills across STEM and arts areas equally in service of a common, musical goal. Findings suggested that this project supported, the application of existing cognitive and social-emotional skills and STEAM practices within an arts framework while fostering in participants the synthesis of new connections among skill areas. While recognizing findings are context specific, conclusions and recommendations may be of particular interest to educators and researchers exploring STEAM or other arts integration initiatives in the classroom.
Descriptors: STEM Education, Integrated Curriculum, Pilot Projects, Playgrounds, Instructional Effectiveness, Musical Instruments, Handicrafts, Experiential Learning, Art Education, Cognitive Development, Social Development, Emotional Development, Undergraduate Students, Foreign Countries, Student Attitudes
International Journal of Education & the Arts. 1310 South 6th Street, Champaign, IL 61820. Tel: 402-472-9958; Fax: 402-472-2837; Web site: http://www.ijea.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ireland (Dublin)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A