Leading Music Education International Conference

WebQuests for Pre-Service Music Education

Pre-service teachers with little or no training in music often resent participating in a mandatory music class for their teacher certification. In order to make pre-service teacher education music courses more relevant, (especially for those seeking certification for middle or secondary school), they must be provided opportunities to explore creative ways to connect music with other subject areas. There has been some evidence in support of WebQuest technology as a vehicle for increased motivation in pre-service teacher education. A WebQuest is an inquiry-based activity during which learners interact with information and resources on the Internet. Potential factors affecting motivation might include a preference toward inquiry-based activities, a preference toward technology-based activities, the use of real-life examples or activities; and group practices or hands-on activities. This study examined the effects of WebQuests on non-specialist pre-service teachers’ motivation specifically for teaching music. Mixed methods were used to collect data during a pre-service teacher education course in music education, and during practice teaching placements. Participants explored WebQuests as an opportunity to practice their musical knowledge in a unique manner, to enhance understandings of how to adapt technology into their teaching, and to explore the effectiveness of WebQuests for the music classroom and integrating music across the curriculum. Findings of the study strongly supported the use of WebQuests as a vehicle for motivating non-specialist teachers and increasing their confidence in integrating music education into their own teaching.