Policy Project

Scaffolded

The three different parts of this assignment build on each other in a way that allows students to receive and apply detailed feedback at multiple points throughout the research and writing process. The scaffolded structure also incorporates reflection opportunities at key points throughout the capstone project for students to conscientiously consider their work, what they’ve learned, and where they might focus their growth going forward.

Interdisciplinary

By drawing on ethnomusicology, anthropology, sociology, and policy studies, students from diverse humanities and social sciences disciplines can engage with how children learn and are taught music. Each discipline offers its own frameworks for studying and understanding music learning and it is only by drawing on multiple approaches that we can understand the multitude of complex influences over music education that exist in our society.

Collaborative

Students complete the second component of the project, the policy analysis, in small groups. This gives students experience with how policy is made and analyzed in real world settings. In order to have a career in or dealing with policy, students will need to work with others productively and efficiently. Writing a policy analysis together, with reflective assignments and check-ins with me along the way, helps students build those collaboration skills.