Korean Preservice Music Teachers’ Perceptions of Portfolio-based Teacher Education: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives This qualitative study aimed to examine Korean preservice music teachers’ perceptions of portfo-lio-based teacher education.
 Methods A focus group interview along with an open-ended survey was executed with five preservice music teachers who were enrolled in the same portfolio-based music history education course at a graduate school of education in Seoul, Korea. The collected data were transcribed in Korean, translated it into English, and then in-ductively analyzed.
 Results The findings show as follows. First, all the participants have rarely experienced portfolio-based learning. Second, the portfolio-based learning approach is perceived as a way to self-driven learning experience, which promoted their own growth and capacity for critical thinking and self-expression. Meanwhile, heavy-loaded as-signments and inconcrete learning objectives were found to form their negative perceptions of portfolio-based learning approach. Third, for succesful portfolio-based learning and teaching, teacher educators’ detailed learning objectives and guidelines along with good questions as well as assignment qualities are found to be essential.
 Conclusions In conclusion, portfolio-based teacher education approach can promote preservice music teachers’ capacity for self-driven learning and teaching. As for its open-ended nature, teacher educators’ role and attitude can be key components component for successful portfolio-based learning and teaching experiences. For future stud-ies, it is important to continue to discuss possibilities and limitations of portfolio-based music teacher education by reflecting the study’s findings and implications. It will ultimately optimize ways to empower music student teachers’ agency and capacity. This study contributes to underrepresented portfolio-based Korean music teacher education theory and practice.