Assessment Practices and Beliefs of Secondary Choir Teachers

Abstract

Previous research findings of assessment in choir indicated that teachers favor non-performance criteria such as attendance and attitude over music knowledge and skill. Music education researchers have encouraged teachers to instead use measurable learning goals that inform teaching practices and document student growth. New assessment technologies designed to assist teachers with individual assessment may have affected the assessment practices of secondary choir teachers. The purpose of this study was to describe the current assessment practices and beliefs among secondary choir teachers in Indiana. Respondents ( N = 182) completed an online survey regarding their use of formative and summative assessments in choir. Findings suggest that choir teachers in this study continued to rely upon non-achievement data such as attendance and participation in assessment. Given these findings, I offer implications and suggestions for practicing choral music educators.