The Value of Collaborative Research Before Independent Research in Undergraduate Music Education

Abstract

Increasing evidence points to the importance of undergraduate research in teacher education programs. Before undertaking independent research, it is essential that music education students gain exposure to a range of research skills and develop basic research competencies. In this study, I explored the influence of a semester-long collaborative research project on preservice music educators’ perceptions concerning future independent research projects. Throughout the semester, I collected data on nine preservice music educators’ perceptions. Additionally, I surveyed participants before and after the project. Participation in a collaborative research project focusing on exposure to research skills and guided practice applying those skills in meaningful, real-life situations appeared to have positively affected music education majors’ perceptions of confidence, preparation, and enthusiasm concerning future independent research projects.