ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo construct a special music education goal framework with functional orientation and behavioral integration. MethodsUtilizing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) theory and the Hauenstein educational objectives taxnomony, and by analyzing the core content of the China Special Education School Compulsory Education Curriculum Standards (2016 edition), objectives for special music education were constructed. A method is established based on the ICF and the functional characteristics of special-needs children to adjust the objectives of special music education. ResultsThe framework system of special music education goals should follow the principles of functional orientation, adaptability and inclusiveness. The framework mainly composed of the goals of cognitive domain, psycho-motor domain, emotional domain and behavioral field, and the goals of each domain could be divided into five levels according to the level of development and achievement. The cognitive domain mainly focused on feeling and appreciation, which made a foundation for music learning. The psychomotor domain developed the movements, skills and related abilities of musical performance. The emotional domain focused on the impact of special music education on behaviors in terms of emotions, values, and beliefs. The behavioral domain was the synthesization of the cognitive, emotional and psychomotor domains, to enable students to use musical elements and skills to create musical works and performance. The music education objectives should be adjusted according to students' functional and developmental levels and special music learning needs. For the cognitive domain, visual support, simplification and repetition might be useful. For the psychomotor domain, visual aids, multisensory experiences and supportive technological equipment might be needed. For the emotional domain, scenario simulation, role play and music environment setting could be used to promote the connection among music and the individual and the world. For the behavioral domain, creating an inclusive environment, affirming and encouraging, and providing opportunities for creative expression might help the students apply the musical elements and techniques. ConclusionBased on the ICF theory and the Hauenstein educational objectives taxnomony theory, and referencing the China Special Education School Compulsory Education Curriculum Standards (2016 edition), this study constructed an educational objectives framework for special music. Principles for building functionally oriented, adaptive, and inclusive music education were proposed, as well as a systematic method for adjusting the objectives of special music education.