The Impact of a Music-Centered STEAM Education Program through Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) on the Self-Directed Learning Ability, Music Content Knowledge, and Music Teaching Efficacy of Pre-Service Early Childhood Teachers

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a music-centered STEAM education program through inquiry-based learning for pre-service early childhood teachers on self-directed learning ability, music content knowledge, and music teaching efficacy. This study was conducted for 15 weeks with 44 second-year students (experimental group: 22, comparison group: 22) of early childhood education department at C university located in B city. Differences between groups were examined through covariate analysis using self-directed learning ability tools by Lee et al. (2003), music teaching content knowledge tools by Nam (2014), and music teaching efficacy tools by Bang and Park (2005). The findings indicated that pre-service teachers in the experimental group, who experienced an inquiry-based learning approach within a music-centered STEAM education program, demonstrated significant improvements compared to the control group. Notable enhancements were observed in self-directed learning abilities—learning planning, execution, overall self-directed learning—and in music teaching content knowledge, specifically in knowledge about young children, music teaching methods, music teaching environment, and comprehensive content knowledge. Moreover, within music teaching efficacy, there were substantial improvements in belief in teaching abilities, result expectations, and overall efficacy. This study is significant for introducing innovative music education methods that align with the Revised Nuri Curriculum through creative and problem-solving play for pre-service early childhood teachers.