Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
Development and Evaluation of a Project-Based Learning Module for Teaching Hunan Folk Music to Undergraduate Students
Jin Ming (UPSI), Abdul Rahman bin Safian (UPSI)
31 January 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 1, pp. 87-92
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-13
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What is this article about?
In an era of globalisation, educators face ongoing challenges in sustaining local cultural heritage within formal curricula. This paper describes the design, implementation, and formative evaluation of a project-based learning (PBL) module on Hunan folk music for undergraduate education in China.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 31 January 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 1, pp. 87-92
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
In an era of globalisation, educators face ongoing challenges in sustaining local cultural heritage within formal curricula. This paper describes the design, implementation, and formative evaluation of a project-based learning (PBL) module on Hunan folk music for undergraduate education in China. The study addresses a gap in many tertiary music programmes, where curricula remain dominated by Western music theory and offer limited practical, culturally situated learning. Using a Design and Development Research (DDR) framework, the study proceeded in three stages: (1) needs analysis, (2) design and development of the PBL module based on expert consensus, and (3) a formative assessment of usability and feasibility. The module integrates PBL pedagogy with Hutchinson and Waters’ Needs Analysis Model and Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory to support culturally responsive learning. The needs analysis indicated a perceived need for more innovative and student-centred approaches to teaching traditional music. Importantly, this study reports developmental evidence (expert review and classroom observation) and does not include quantitative outcome measures (e.g., pre/post tests) of student learning gains. Classroom observations further suggested that the module was practical to implement and was associated with sustained student engagement and perceived intercultural appreciation. This work offers educators and curriculum developers a documented model for incorporating ethnomusicology into higher-education teaching and for iteratively refining culturally responsive PBL materials; however, the findings should be interpreted as formative rather than as measured effects on learning outcomes.
Keywords: Project-Based Learning, Hunan Folk Music, Music Education, Cultural Heritage, Curriculum Development, Design and Development Research
Cite this article
Jin Ming (UPSI), & Abdul Rahman bin Safian (UPSI) (2026). Development and Evaluation of a Project-Based Learning Module for Teaching Hunan Folk Music to Undergraduate Students. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(1), 87-92. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-13
@article{Jin2026,
title = {Development and Evaluation of a Project-Based Learning Module for Teaching Hunan Folk Music to Undergraduate Students},
author = {Jin Ming (UPSI) and Abdul Rahman bin Safian (UPSI)},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {87-92},
doi = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-13},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-13}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Jin Ming (UPSI), Abdul Rahman bin Safian (UPSI).
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 1, pages 87-92, published by EP Journals Group on 31 January 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-13 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-13).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Jin Ming (UPSI), & Abdul Rahman bin Safian (UPSI) (2026). Development and Evaluation of a Project-Based Learning Module for Teaching Hunan Folk Music to Undergraduate Students. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(1), 87-92. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E1/2026-13
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