The Post-Pandemic Influence on Social Emotional Learning in the K-12 Music Classroom

The purpose of this research study was to understand the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the post-pandemic state of social emotional learning in music classrooms. This study addresses a vital need for an investigation into the current social emotional needs of students in music classes to then provide information on common practices for music teachers to utilize with their students to best meet these current needs in social emotional learning and communities of practice. The methodology utilized for this study was a qualitative narrative study approach, with focus groups serving as the main form of data collection. Results of the study showed that the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic include anxiety, immaturity, lack of motivation and engagement, and lack of structure. Because of these influences, students are in need of teacher flexibility, personal coping skills, increased maturity levels, greater structure and expectations, and increased motivation and engagement. This study provides the foundation for developing teacher common practices to best meet the current social emotional learning and community of practice needs, as well as future research into these areas