{"title":"Perspectives of international teaching assistants on working in music disciplines in American higher education","authors":"Siyu Tian","doi":"10.1177/02557614241268168","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"Previous researchers have identified the barriers faced by international teaching assistants (ITAs), yet few studies have specifically explored these barriers within music disciplines. Teaching assistants at American universities often encounter linguistic and sociocultural challenges, while those working in music schools may face additional obstacles due to the unique nature of the subject. The qualitative research method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with five individuals who currently were or who had been teaching assistants in music departments of colleges and universities. This study explored the challenges faced by international teaching assistants in terms of communication, language and cultural barriers, differences in teaching methods, and difficulties in balancing learning and teaching. Tutor support became an important resource, but the support resources available varied from university to university. The result of this study highlighted the need for professional music teaching training, regular mentor meetings, and support in the daily work and professional development of international teaching assistants.","PeriodicalId":46623,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Music Education","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3000,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"International Journal of Music Education","FirstCategoryId":"95","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1177/02557614241268168","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Previous researchers have identified the barriers faced by international teaching assistants (ITAs), yet few studies have specifically explored these barriers within music disciplines. Teaching assistants at American universities often encounter linguistic and sociocultural challenges, while those working in music schools may face additional obstacles due to the unique nature of the subject. The qualitative research method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with five individuals who currently were or who had been teaching assistants in music departments of colleges and universities. This study explored the challenges faced by international teaching assistants in terms of communication, language and cultural barriers, differences in teaching methods, and difficulties in balancing learning and teaching. Tutor support became an important resource, but the support resources available varied from university to university. The result of this study highlighted the need for professional music teaching training, regular mentor meetings, and support in the daily work and professional development of international teaching assistants.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Music Education (IJME) is a peer-reviewed journal published by the International Society for Music Education (ISME) four times a year. Manuscripts published are scholarly works, representing empirical research in a variety of modalities. They enhance knowledge regarding the teaching and learning of music with a special interest toward an international constituency. Manuscripts report results of quantitative or qualitative research studies, summarize bodies or research, present theories, models, or philosophical positions, etc. Papers show relevance to advancing the practice of music teaching and learning at all age levels with issues of direct concern to the classroom or studio, in school and out, private and group instruction. All manuscripts should contain evidence of a scholarly approach and be situated within the current literature. Implications for learning and teaching of music should be clearly stated, relevant, contemporary, and of interest to an international readership.