One of the ways in which pupils in Dutch primary education are being equipped with 21st Century Skills is through Design-based Learning.Building musical instruments could be an interesting entry point for Design-based Learning in music education.In this educational design research study, we explored how this approach could be applied to designing and building new, technology-based musical instruments.
Workshops were developed on the principles of Design-based Learning and carried out in two cycles.Each cycle took place at a different primary school and was evaluated lochby venture pouch through observations, interviews with classroom teachers, and learner reports from pupils.The findings showed that the phases of Design-based Learning are helpful in structuring the pupils’ learning process when designing and building new, technology-based musical instruments.
Furthermore, a Design-based Learning approach in music education holds the possibility for the development of the 21st century skills of problem-solving, creative thinking, and cooperation.The findings also illuminated challenges.Workshop leaders not only need to have content knowledge of science, technology, and music, but also need to know how to guide a swisse high strength magnesium powder berry design process and how to approach problems that can arise during that process, such as design fixation.