The importance of integration of music education with social sciences in elementary school

Abstract

TThis study analyzes the importance of cross-subject (cross-curricular) integration of the music education subject with social sciences in elementary school, from the perspective of primary school teachers. This research is important for the teachers of the relevant fields and aims to improve the cross-subject connection practices of music education and social sciences in schools, and it also aims to raise the awareness of the relevant educational institutions at the municipal and state level. The aspect of cross-curricular integration is very important for the development of students’ competencies. These competencies are related to the very goals of the pre-university education system of Kosovo clearly defined in the new Kosovo Curriculum Framework, as the main document in the hierarchy of official education documents in Kosovo. In order to identify the current situation, in this study a qualitative approach was used and by purposeful sampling different teachers have been chosen who work with grades 3, 4 and 5 (in the second curricular level), because this combination offers a diversity of educational units and greater opportunities for ways of integrating music education with social sciences. To address this topic, we collected research data through a semi-structured interview with a total of 15 primary school teachers which highlight the real situation regarding the importance, applicability and the challenges teachers face during the integration of music education with the subjects representing social sciences.