Introduction to STEAM Through Music Technology (Evaluation)

Abstract

David Rosen is a doctoral student in Drexel University's Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences program. He has an M.S degree in Teaching and Instruction and several years of experience as a public school educator. Working in the Music and Entertainment Technology (MET-Lab) and Creativity Research Lab, his interdisciplinary research explores the underlying cognitive mechanisms and factors of creativity, expression, insight, and flow, specifically within the domain of music performance and improvisation. He has also worked on several research projects which attempt to infuse, design, and evaluate various pedagogical methodologies to enhance creativity and creative problem solving in the classroom. Introduction to STEAM through Music Technology (Evaluation) AbstractReal-world problem solving across domains in the 21st century requires technical knowledge and skills, as well as creative thinking and problem solving; however, the pedagogy of many STEM education programs only focuses on the technical aspects of their discipline. The point at which students are first introduced to various STEM fields is critical in terms of their interest, motivation, and understanding of potential applications. These early years greatly impact the decision of whether a student pursues a career or major in a STEM field. Thus, teaching methodologies for young STEM students must balance, or better yet, intertwine core concepts and knowledge with student engagement through hands-on, project-based learning and connections to topics of interest, such as music and the arts. Too often, STEM pedagogy paints a picture of a world where problems have convergent solutions, in contrast with a reality where optimal solutions are divergent in nature, requiring creativity, originality, and insight. In order to revitalize and reimagine STEM learning, there must be true integration of the arts and creative thinking in the sciences, debunking the traditional approach of STEM and the arts being dichotomous. Through the Summer Music Technology (SMT) program at Drexel University for rising high school sophomores and juniors, we aim to illustrate the interconnectedness of music with engineering, science, and mathematics through inquiry-based modules and projects involving creative problem solving and self-expression. Our approach not only serves to emphasize creativity amongst the technically inclined, but also, presents STEM in an accessible, engaging way, leveraging students' passion and interest in music as a catalyst for learning. SMT is a unique STEM experience for high-school students who would not otherwise consider supplementing their education with STEM or even pursuing STEM careers.

High school learners’ perceptions of value as motivation to choose music as an elective in Gauteng, South Africa

“…Despite low utility value ratings for music according to the current study, we would argue that there is utility value in arts subjects. A growing body of research into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) versus STEAM (STEM plus the Arts) curricula is rapidly showing the importance and benefits of integrating the arts into education (Gregorio et al, 2015; Land, 2013; Segarra et al, 2018). Studies show that at university level, interest in the sciences needs to be increased in order to maintain a full workforce of scientists, and researchers such as Gregorio et al (2015) believe that the arts is the means by which to do this.…”

Music in STEAM: Beyond Notes

“…Real world problem-solving in the 21st century not only requires technical knowledge and skills, it involves creative thinking and adaptability. (Gregorio et al 2015).…”

STEAM Education through Music Technology (Evaluation)

“…AudioWorks is a custom application designed-specifically for the Summer Music Technology program-to help students develop a strong visual intuition for the physical parameters of sound production and modification [8]. The app affords the essential functionality of a basic oscilloscope (time domain plot) and spectrum analyzer (frequency domain plot) in three modal contexts: audio analysis, synthesis, and effects.…”