THE IMPACT OF THE INTEGRATIVE MODEL OF MUSIC EDUCATION ON THE MUSICAL ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS OF JUNIOR GRADE PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The paper presents the results of application of the experimental programme of the integrative model of teaching in junior grades of elementary school. The research involved 116 first-grade students of two elementary schools, divided into two experimental and control classes. The objective of the research was to examine influence of the integrative model of teaching music on rhythmic competencies, vocal reproduction competencies, knowledge, and skills of playing rhythmic instruments. An experimental method with parallel groups and a descriptive method were used. The research instruments were: a vocal reproduction test, the a test of rhythmic competencies, an instrument for oral testing of knowledge of rhythmic instruments which consisted of three subtests: visual recognition of rhythmic instruments, sound recognition, and manual use of an instrument. The results were obtained by testing the arithmetic means of the experimental and control groups. The difference of the arithmetic means on all tests is in favour of the students of the experimental group, which highlights the positive effect of the experimental factor. The difference is statistically significant with a significant intensity of influence of the independent variable, thus implying the conclusion that the integrative model of teaching music has a positive impact on students’ rhythmic competencies, vocal reproduction competencies, and students’ knowledge and skills compared to the traditional method of working.