Education Majors Enrolled in Music, Art, and Physical Education Methods Classes: A Predictor Model for Final Course Grades

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the predictability of final course grades for college education majors (N = 68) who were enrolled in a methods course in art (n = 16), music (n = 20), or physical education (n = 32) to fulfill a requirement for degree completion and teacher licensure and who could elect to fulfill the requirement with one course. A survey was developed to gather information on college students’ experiences in art, music, and physical education courses in high school as well as in their college curriculum. The study was conducted to determine if an omnibus predictor variable comprised of high school grade-point average (GPA), college GPA, and a combination of high school experiences noted as an "experience score" enabled accurate prediction of final grades in college methods courses. Regression analysis demonstrated the predictor model was significant, but accounted for only a moderate amount of variability; no single factor, however, was predictive. The findings of this study generated ideas for further research related to prediction of course grade outcomes.