Gamifying the Music Theory Curriculum

​

Dr. Lynnsey Lambrecht – Bradley University – llambrecht@bradley.edu

Alexandrea Jonker – McGill University – alexandrea.jonker@mcgill.ca

​

​

Generation Z | Gen Z | iGeneration |�The Net Generation | Generation N | Zenniels

• Born between 1995 and 2010 after creation and popularization of computers and the internet

​

• As of 2020, make up roughly a third of the US population

​

• Racially diverse, technologically savvy, strong work ethic, resiliency, and sense of responsibility

These are the students now enrolled in our undergraduate classes

Gen Z

“Rather than dismissing the Gen Z’s reluctance for the lecture as a means for education, it is worthwhile to consider what these multi-tasking, graphically-oriented students are requesting: they want to have a say in their education, contribute toward the discussion of how they will learn, participate in hands-on activities, and collaborate with their colleagues.”

​

Feiertag & Berge (2008)

​

Gen Z Learning

• Accustomed to instant feedback and individualized nature of progressing through a video game

​

• Limited learning time and attention

​

• Require engaging, goal-oriented approaches to classroom learning

​

• Motivated by rewards such as opportunities for advancement and gaining credit

Gamified Learning

• Use of game-like or “fun” elements to promote learning and engagement

​

• Game-based mechanics, aesthetics, and game thinking can motivate students to engage with material and solve problems

​

• Helps learners to acquire skills, knowledge, and abilities in short, concentrated periods of time with high retention rates and effective recall

1. Online Skill-Building Resources

​

• Puzzles

​

• Game Show Activities

​

• Online Speed Quizzes

Online Skill-Building Resources

InQuizitive demo

Music Theory Skill Builder

InQuizitive Demonstration

Puzzles

• Interactive, in-class activities

​

• Hands on approach brings concepts to life

​

• Utilize following concept introduction

Puzzles - Constructing Form

Puzzles - Potential Topics

• Chords and Roman Numerals
• Qualities
• Spellings
• Small scale forms
• Sentences
• Periods
• Form
• Binary
• Ternary
• Multi-level phrases
• Sonata
• Rondo
• Concerto
• Sonata-Rondo

Game Show Activities

• Family Feud

​

• Jeopardy

​

• Science Fair Day

​

• Score/Analysis Escape Rooms

​

• Score Speed Dating

Vocal Forms Escape Room

Online Speed Quizzes

Kahoot! - Tonicization and Modulation

Impact on Learning

• Effective for variety of learners

​

• Promote lower- and higher-order thinking

​

• Can be scaffolded to increase difficulty throughout the semester, and alterations added to engage and appropriately challenge all students

​

• Allow students to work at their own pace and collaborate with their peers

​

• Competition with themselves and their classmates increases motivation and fluency

​

• Increased levels of engagement, relevance, immersion, retention, and transfer of learning to real-world situations

References

• Eng, Norman. (2017). Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students. Narrated by Joe Brookhouse.  

​

• Feiertag, Jeff and Zane L. Berge. (2008). “Training Generation N: how educators should approach the Net Generation.” Education + Training 50 no. 6: 457-464. 

​

• Kapp, Karl M. (2012). The Gamification of Learning and Instruction: Game-based Methods and Strategies for Training and Education. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.

​

• Katz, Roberta. (2019). “How Gen Z is Different According to Social Scientists (and Young People Themselves).” Pacific Standard Magazine. 

​

• King, Alison. (1993). “From Sage on the Stage to Guide on the Side.” College Teaching 41, 1: 30-35.

​

• Seemiller, Corey and Meghan Grace. (2019). Generation Z: A Century in the Making. New York: Routledge.

​

• ———. (2016). Generation Z Goes to College. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

​

• Tulgran, Bruce. (2013). “Meet Generation Z: The second generation within the giant “Millennial” cohort.” RainmakerThinking Inc. 

Gamifying the Music Theory Curriculum

​

Dr. Lynnsey Lambrecht – Bradley University – llambrecht@bradley.edu

Alexandrea Jonker – McGill University – alexandrea.jonker@mcgill.ca

​

​

Benefits of Online Speed Quizzes

• Ease of creating and duplicating quizzes
• Built in fun elements
• Access to individual student performance
• Overall high scorers identified
• Timed implementation and identification of concepts

Benefits of Online Skill Building Resources

• Built-in grade reporting

​

• Variety of question models

​

• Instant feedback and access to content resources

​

• Unlimited student practice time