A critical evaluation of assessment practices in music literacy programmes for young adults

Abstract

The topic of assessment has attracted wide-spread attention in the discipline of music education in recent decades. However, most research centres on school-based assessment, and then mainly on the assessment of practical music subjects. Current assessment practices in music literacy programmes (such as 'paper-and-pencil' and standardized tests) counteract what is arguably the most important goal of music education, namely the development of musicianship. Therefore, in this study, my aim is to investigate assessment practices in music literacy courses for young adults, and to show how assessment in these courses can contribute to the development of musicianship. In order to reach these aims, the terms 'musicianship' and 'music literacy' are defined. The importance of a guiding philosophy for assessment is highlighted and constructivism is discussed as an example of such a philosophy, since constructivist principles largely correspond with the principles of assessment and adult education. Principles for effective assessment are subsequently established before being applied to the assessment of music literacy outcomes. Finally, the need for further research about various topics that can inform assessment practices in music subjects is pointed out.