Week 4 Publishing Leadership Project

My project tested the effectiveness of a music software called Smartmusic to engage students in proper practice methods and increase motivation.

This is a summary of my Action Research Project.
In order to reverse recent declines in the music student population, educators must learn how to teach students instrumental skills quickly, efficiently, and in an engaging manner.  The review of literature found a strong connection between effective practice methods and motivation.  The ARP tested the effectiveness of SmartMusic (a music practice software) by measuring the quality of its practice methods and the degree of motivation it provides for students. Thirteen band students from Paulding Middle School in Arroyo Grande, California, participated in 2 cycles. The results of the data collected after both cycles confirmed that SmartMusic is an invaluable tool for instrumental music educators because it improves students’ practice methods and increases their motivation.

I have chosen to publish either at the Journal of Research in Music Education or Update: Applications of Research in Music Education.

My paper can be found at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iaFbQjGkRXKppuP1f1Mk98JTX80XdarV-uyzP7cR5QY/edit?hl=en_US#

The presentation is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iaFbQjGkRXKppuP1f1Mk98JTX80XdarV-uyzP7cR5QY/edit?hl=en_US#

My 2 Think outloud blog posts are here:
TOL Blog Post 1:
http://emdttkbach.blogspot.com/2011/05/week-1-blog-post-4-leadershippublicatio.html
TOL Blog Post 2:
http://emdttkbach.blogspot.com/2011/05/week-2-blog-post-4-publishingleadership.html

My Journal exploration Think Out loud is here:
http://emdttkbach.blogspot.com/2011/05/week-3-blog-post-4-publishingleadership.html