ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to conduct a content analysis of elementary school music textbooks in Germany with focus on unit organizations for the theme, “Music in Life” and its learning activities. The textbooks chosen for the study are the four German music textbook publications: 「Rondo 1/2」(2015), 「Musikkus 3｜4」(2009), 「Der neue Musikus 3」(2010), 「TONE 1 5/6」(2011). The content analysis of the study is focused on learning topics, contents, and activities contained in the units on “Music in Life” within these four textbook series. The results of this study show the basis for the following conclusions: (1) four common topics including “music in surrounding environment,” “music on television,” “recording music,” and “media for music listening” are contained within the four textbook series and individual topics such as “internet and music,” “music at home,” “music for advertisements,” “film music” and so forth are also suggested; (2) topics related to children’s interest, social communication skills, musical genres, and music media are emphasized as key elements for the units on “Music in Life”; and (3) the organizational structure for learning topics and activities, and application strategies reflected in German elementary music class implies that currently emphasized approaches such as project-based learning, convergence education, discussion centered education, creative teaching can be also applied to the “Music in Life” learning.

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