Engagement with education: music education in a paediatric hospital

This paper reports on an evaluation project aimed at improving engagement with education through a music based intervention using customised music technology and Specialist Music Teachers in an Australian paediatric hospital. The project utilised participant observation methodology, and ‘flow experience’ as a tool for analysis. The study found that using music technology with specialist pedagogy, led to engagement and enjoyment in making music and were key elements in enabling learning. The learning fostered intra-familial and peer relationships, a critical factor in closing the circle through supporting re-engagement with education. A model has been constructed which summarises these critical processes. We concluded that the technology and special pedagogy offers children with varying capabilities the ability to engage in learning despite hindrances during hospitalisation.