Using Mastery Goals in Music to Increase Student Motivation

Abstract

Motivation and leadership are two important factors influencing achievement in today’s classrooms. Whereas some students are naturally self-motivated, other students struggle to find the basic motivation to reach their full potentials. Goal theory states that people naturally select goals based on mastery learning achievements or performance learning achievements. Based on research literature, this article will provide suggestions on how high school music teachers can encourage students to become more motivated through mastery learning goals as well as exploring how student leadership opportunities can promote mastery learning and increase motivation in the music classroom.