The effect of 'Programmed learning model' on performance in beginner level bağlama education: The example of community center

'Programmed Learning' is learning model some of whose aspects can be traced back to ancient times and that was popular and widely used in schools especially from 1950s until 1970. This method, the theoretical framework of which was formed by American psychologist B. F. Skinner, was credited as the successor of Learning machines and was applied by means of individual practice principles such as 'small steps', 'personal pace', 'being active', and 'instantaneous correction'. The present study aimed to determine whether 'Programmed Learning Model' influenced 'Baglama' (a widely-used Turkish folk music instrument) performance, through an experiment aimed at evaluating the applicability of the 'Programmed Learning' on Baglama education. The training was limited to the beginner level and realized according to the "Course Curriculum for Baglama as part of the Music and Performance Arts Section of Community Centers", and provided in the 'Bozuk Tuning' (one of the most commonly used types of tuning) as the selected type of tune. The study sample was formed from individuals aged 15-17 who applied for a Baglama course in the Community Center of Çankırı/Turkey. The study sample was divided into heterogeneous experiment and control groups according to 'Musical Perception Test' scores as well as gender and musical background. Baglama training in both groups was provided by the researcher, with 'Programmed Learning Model' used in the experiment group, and traditional teaching methods of 'Demonstration-Practice' and 'Lecturing' used in the control group. The 'Beginner Level Long-necked Baglama Performance Assessment Scale' consisting of 'technical' and 'musical' dimensions was developed, was tested for validity and reliability, and was used to collect data. At the end of the nine-week experimental course process, Bağlama playing performances of study participants were recorded and evaluated by three observers according to the aforementioned performance scale. The data compiled was tested for normality, and normally distributed data was analysed through independent and dependent samples 't test', while non-normally distributed data was analysed using 'Mann-Whitney U' test which is one of the nonparametric tests. According to research results, no statistically significant difference between the performances of experiment and control groups was found in terms of 'technical' and 'musical' dimensions and of their subdimensions. On the other hand, significant differences were found in intragroup performance scores of both groups in terms of gender in several dimensions of performance.