Opinions of Teachers and Students Regarding the Achievement of the Learning Outcomes of the 4th Grade Elementary School Music Class Curriculum

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the achievement levels of the learning outcomes related to “musical perception and awareness” included in the 4th grade Music course curriculum and to identify the views of teachers and students regarding the current situation. The study group consisted of 698 students enrolled in the 4th grade at public elementary schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Viranşehir district of Şanlıurfa during the 2021-2022 academic year and 50 classroom teachers working at these institutions. A success test was developed and administered to students to determine the level of achievement of the learning outcomes. To determine the opinions of teachers and students regarding the learning outcomes in the “musical perception and knowledge” learning area, an interview form was created for teachers and a questionnaire form for students. The research is an example of a mixed method that uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The quantitative data obtained were analyzed using the jMetrik program. Qualitative data were interpreted using descriptive analysis techniques. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability and internal consistency of the achievement test. The analysis performed in the jMetrik program found Cronbach's Alpha coefficient to be 0.79. The results of the study revealed that the achievement level in the test administered to students was low and that the learning outcomes did not meet the target. The majority of teachers stated that they experienced difficulties in music lessons. They emphasized that they experienced difficulties due to lack of materials, negative learning environment conditions, classroom management, insufficient lesson time, and lack of equipment in the field of music. Recommendations were made to make music lessons more effective based on the results obtained.