The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of small group activities in the secondary school music classroom. Small group work has been shown to be of value in general classroom teaching in developing a positive classroom climate, encouraging the development of social skills, and enhancing academic achievement. However, research with music student teachers has demonstrated that the music classroom raises special problems for the use of small groups. These special problems are discussed, the related literature is reviewed and suggestions are made for the effective management of small groups in the music classroom.
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