Problems Experienced in the Field of Vocational Specialization for Early Childhood Music Education in Turkey and a Solution Proposal

Abstract

Although the problems in early childhood music education (ECME) have been addressed in many scientific studies around the world, the fact that the problem is still among the issues for which solutions are still sought in current studies suggests that a permanent solution has not yet been found. The main purpose of this study, which is designed as a qualitative case study, is to propose a master's degree program that is believed to be a solution to the current problems in the field of early childhood music education (ECME) in Turkey. In line with that, a master's program proposal for ECME specialization education was developed in line with the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (THEQF), existing information in national and international literature, and participant opinions.

The proposed program is based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory, aiming to improve the performance of early childhood instructors with limited experience in teaching music. The participants of the study were determined by purposeful and snowball sampling method. The study group consisted of 24 participants, including 14 academicians who teach courses on ECME in faculties of education and health sciences and conduct postgraduate studies in this field, and 10 music teachers who teach music in private schools. The data were obtained through literature review and the interviews with the participants and reported in various categories and subcategories using descriptive and content analysis in line with the sub-objectives of the research. The analysis was focused on the evaluations of the participants about the course structure, content and interdisciplinary interactional potential of the proposed master's program. The findings have paved the way for the creation of a draft master's program within the scope of the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework.

As a result of the research, 43 general competencies and 43 field competencies were determined for the proposed master's program in the dimensions of knowledge, skills and competence at the master's level in line with the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (THEQF). In addition, the courses to be included in the program and their contents, the disciplines that the ECME specialist can interact with, and the opinions/suggestions of the instructors and music teachers about the proposed master's program were explained in detail.

This study, which also aims to strengthen the professional competencies of ECME specialists and provide a reference point in the formation of music education programs in the future, is thought to improve the quality of experts in the field of ECME and to provide a guideline for prospective music education programs. In addition, the study is expected to contribute significantly to the instructors from different disciplines in terms of providing a solution for ECME specialization and creating a new field of specialization.