"You Get What You Get"? Learner Agency in the Early Childhood Music Classroom. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koops, Lisa Huisman
• Is Part Of: General music today. Volume 31:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: agency -- color preference -- early childhood music -- student choice -- student control; School music -- Instruction and study -- United States -- Periodicals; Music teachers -- Training of -- United States -- Periodicals; 780
• DOI: 10.1177/1048371317717025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1048-3713

Abstract

In this article, I suggest that providing opportunities for agency (student choice or control) in the early childhood classroom could enhance student learning. One important way that young children demonstrate agency is through expressing color preference. I encourage teachers to look for opportunities to give children choices and control in the classroom, including selecting colors of classroom props or leading a conducting activity.