A Yin-Yang approach: Investigating students’ beliefs about teaching and learning in music among college students in Macau, China

Abstract

This exploratory study aims to investigate the beliefs of college students in Macau, China, regarding teaching and learning in the field of music education, including factors influencing students’ views and their ideal music classroom environment. Employing a Rigorous Mixed Methods Framework that included surveys, observations, interviews, and reflective essays, a sample of ( n = 120). Chinese college students and ( n = 3) college music instructors were selected for participation. In the initial phase, findings revealed a nuanced perspective among students, demonstrating a stronger preference for the Constructivist Conception over the Traditional Conception. However, during the second and third phases, the findings revealed a preference for traditional and master-apprentice styles of learning in practice. Through the analysis of all three phases of research, this study unveiled a complex and juxtaposed ideology of music learning among Chinese students. While there was a misalignment between students’ ideologies and behaviors, they consistently expressed a desire for a more collaborative, creative, supportive, and open environment in which they can freely share their musical passion. Rather than adhering to a binary approach, the findings suggest the necessity of embracing a more nuanced “Yin-Yang” perspective in Macau.