The Potential of the Orff-Schulwerk Approach As a Pedagogical Tool for the Effective Teaching of Italian to Upper Primary Students in Western Australia
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Edith Cowan University Research Online Theses: Doctorates and Masters Theses 2012 An interdisciplinary intervention : the potential of the Orff- Schulwerk approach as a pedagogical tool for the effective teaching of Italian to upper primary students in Western Australia Annamaria Paolino Edith Cowan University Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses Part of the Curriculum and Instruction Commons, and the Educational Methods Commons Recommended Citation Paolino, A. (2012). An interdisciplinary intervention : the potential of the Orff-Schulwerk approach as a pedagogical tool for the effective teaching of Italian to upper primary students in Western Australia. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/557 This Thesis is posted at Research Online. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/557 Edith Cowan University Copyright Warning You may print or download ONE copy of this document for the purpose of your own research or study. 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Higher penalties may apply, and higher damages may be awarded, for offences and infringements involving the conversion of material into digital or electronic form. USE OF THESIS The Use of Thesis statement is not included in this version of the thesis. An interdisciplinary intervention: The potential of the Orff- Schulwerk approach as a pedagogical tool for the effective teaching of Italian to upper primary students in Western Australia By Annamaria Paolino BA (Ed) BEd This thesis is presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Faculty of Education and Arts Edith Cowan University 2012 DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to the memory of two much loved and dearly missed family members who had and will forever have a tremendous impact and influence on my life and work. In loving memory of my brother, Luigi Paolino 4/07/1977 – 22/01/2010 Words cannot express what you mean to me or how much I miss you. You are and forever will be my rock and inspiration. It is for you that I completed this study. The courage and strength with which you fought your illness has given me the will to go on. Your brave example kept me working and encouraged me to fulfil my promise when all I wanted to do was give up. You lived your life to the fullest. You lived well, loved much and laughed each day. In fact, I can‟t remember a day that I didn‟t see a smile on your face. Luigi, the world is a poorer place without you but you leave an everlasting legacy from which I draw inspiration and purpose. Everything that is you - Your drumming and musical talents are dearly missed. You touched and influenced the lives of many as you brightened the day of everyone you met. You befriended and embraced everyone. You loved everyone and everyone loved you. Thank you for always supporting me and having faith in me. I am blessed, honoured and privileged to have been gifted you as my brother. You represent all that a man and a brother should be. Even though we no longer walk side by side physically, I know that you and I will “Never Walk Alone”. Alla cara memoria della mia Nonna, Spina Cinquina 24/09/1919 – 21/01/2010 Grazie Nonna per tutto che hai fatto per me. Per tutto che mi hai insegnata, per la tua patienza, per tutta la gioia, per tutto l‟amore che mi hai data e per tutte le memorie. Sei veramente una donna molto speciale, coraggiosa e forta. Sei la migliora Nonna dappertutto il mondo. Mi manchi ma sei sempre con me e nel mio cuore. Ti amo e non mi dimentica mai la tua sfida di essere immigrante in Australia. i ABSTRACT Since the second half of the twentieth century, Italian has been the second language spoken in Western Australia. In the primary school sector, there are over two hundred Italian teachers engaged with primary students. Many Italian teachers also use music/song as a pedagogical tool. The first part of the research examines the extent that music/song is used in primary Italian classes, as well as how and why they are used. The second part of the research centres on the use of the Orff-Schulwerk approach as an integrated music approach to teaching Italian. The research examines the success of a trialled intervention with a group of upper primary Italian language teachers, as well as exploring the support that is required to support Italian as a second language specific to upper primary contexts. The research findings conclude that the novelty of the Orff-Schulwerk approach is considered effective in the teaching and learning of Italian. However, the research also highlights a number of constraints, which need to be addressed if teachers are to provide students with a rich and engaging curriculum. ii DECLARATION I certify that this thesis does not, to the best of my knowledge and belief: (i) incorporate without acknowledgement any material previously submitted for a degree or diploma in any institution of higher education; (ii) contain any material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text; or (iii) contain any defamatory material. I also grant permission for the Library at Edith Cowan University to make duplicate copies of my thesis as required. Signed: Date: iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Travelling the road to completing a thesis is a long and difficult one. Along the way one encounters many bumps, blocks and possible breakdowns. I know that I encountered these along my journey, particularly in 2009 and 2010. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who helped me to complete and achieve this significant milestone. I would sincerely like to thank my principal supervisor Dr Geoffrey W. Lummis for sharing his knowledge and wisdom with me. Throughout this journey you have always been there to offer advice, support, encouragement, guidance and most of all, your time. I have learned so much from you. “Thanks Boss.” Thanks to my associate supervisor Dr Geoffrey M. Lowe. Your knowledgeable input and guidance is very much appreciated. Thanks also to Associate Professor Jan Gray for encouraging me to follow the research road from the very start of my postgraduate journey. I wish to thank my Nonno, Luigi Cinquina for paving the path upon which I am now able to walk upon. Most importantly I would like to thank my Mum, Elia Paolino for her continual support, encouragement, inspiration and love. Even when times were difficult, you were always there for me. Thanks Mum for making me who I am, for believing in me and for helping me to achieve this and all else that I have. Finally, thanks to Riley and Genghis for their unconditional love. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION....................................................................................................................... I ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................... II DECLARATION ................................................................................................................ III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................... IV TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................... V LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... XII LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ XIII PREFACE ....................................................................................................................... XIV The Purpose of the Research ................................................................................................. xiv Research Development .......................................................................................................... xiv Writing Style .......................................................................................................................... xiv Features ................................................................................................................................... xv GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................... XVII CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 1 An Introduction to the Research ............................................................................................... 1 Personal background and pedagogy .................................................................................................. 1 The Context of the Research ....................................................................................................