A study on elementary pre-service teachers’ perception of the use of plastic instruments in music classes from the carbon neutral perspective

The purpose of this study is to analyze the per-service teachers’ perception of the use of plastic instruments in music classes with understanding of plastic production and use amid concerns about environmental pollution and climate crisis and the obligation to practice carbon neutrality. For this purpose, this study investigated the understanding of environmental pollution and carbon neutrality and the awareness of plastic musical instruments used in music classes among 170 third-year pre-service elementary school teachers attending elementary school training institutions in Gwangju. As a result of the analysis, first, 97.6% (166 students) of pre-service elementary school teachers responded that they had experience using plastic musical instruments during their school days. Second, 72.3% (123 students) were interested in environmental issues, and 81.1% (137 students) responded that they were worried about plastic pollution, however, efforts to separate plastic discharge were low at 42% (72 students). Third, the revised curriculum includes learning about carbon neutrality and environmental pollution in science, society, ethics, and practical subjects. However, pre-service elementary school teachers' understanding of the concept of carbon neutrality was found to be about 59.4% (101 students). And 85.2% (145 students) responded that they know the concept of microplastics. Fourth, 64.1% (109 students) said that the use of plastic instruments in music classes is unavoidable, and 34.1% (58 people) responded that they were in favor of using plastic instruments. However, 48.2% (82 students) of pre-service elementary school teachers did not clearly express their opinion, meaning that they think differently about plastic musical instruments and disposable plastic products. Fifth, 65.8% (112 students) said that the use of plastic instruments should be avoided during music classes and were also concerned about the generation of microplastics. Lastly, 76.5% (105 students) spoke of the need to change plastic instruments to instruments made of eco-friendly or safer materials, and 94.7% (161 students) said that if there were eco-friendly instruments, they would use them in their music classes.