Psychological aspects of one-on-one instrumental teaching at the tertiary level

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Of an inter-disciplinary nature, this thesis examines certain pertinent psychological aspects with regard to one-on-one instrumental teaching at the tertiary level. It is apparent that this area has not been the focus of much investigation. However, in recent years, together with research into new, forward-thinking philosophies in music education, there has been an examination of some psychological aspects pertaining to instrumental teaching by researchers such as Mackworth-Young (1990), Kennell (2002), and Creech & Hallam (2003). Although most researchers have focused primarily on students of school-going age, more recently attention has begun to be given to tertiary level instrumental teaching.There are many ways to approach one-on-one instrumental teaching. There is no doubt that these have been tried and tested, and, in their own way, have been successful. They range from the traditional to the master-apprenticeship model, the latter most commonly used in university music departments.While it is not the purpose of this thesis to discuss pedagogical principles per se, the researcher proposes a student-centred model based on humanistic trends in psychology, with particular reference to Rogers. This model emphasises the importance of the teacher/student relationship and a holistic view of students. In addition, the developmental stage of university students is investigated in order to provide more insight and understanding of students' place in the life cycle. Such psychological knowledge can equip teachers with skills, which would assist them to deal with sensitive issues that may be beyond their common sense and expertise.Consequently, the application of these psychological principles to instrumental teaching at the tertiary level is investigated by examining both the teacher/student relationship and a student-centred approach in the studio.A student-centred focus is one where the teacher has a facilitative function. Such a teacher leads students to be proactive and to be full participants in their own learning process. Consequently students would develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. At the same time they would learn how to take responsibility for their actions. In such a milieu they are given the freedom to express themselves without fear of reprisal, and are made aware that they are valued and accepted unconditionally as unique individuals. This kind of environment should encourage the development of both cognitive and affective aspects of their personalities while simultaneously being conducive to optimal learning and to the maximising of their full potential at this stage.This researcher believes that the student-centred approach offers a more humanizing view than the traditional view of teaching. It is not the intention of the researcher to reject other styles of teaching, since it is fully appreciated that there are diverse views, which have their merit and should be recognised. However, there is a need to investigate whether student-centred teaching can be used exclusively, or whether it can offer an alternative to more conventional approaches, working independently of or perhaps complementarily to these.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University