The Effects of the Orff Approach on Self-Expression, Self-Efficacy, and Social Skills of Children in Low-Income Families in South Korea

This experiment was designed to study the Orff Approach-a child-centered, developmental approach to music education that aims to enrich the imagination through the acceleration of psychological activities. The study was conducted in children who had exhibited problematic behavior possibly due to economical or psychological issues; it aimed to determine whether the Orff Approach satisfies educational and treatment purposes and is an acceptable alternative in improving self-expression, self-efficacy, and social skills. The experiment involved 43 elementary school children in South Korean households with a monthly income of 100% below the average (according to the National Basic Living Security Act, South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare), and the results showed an increase of the children's self-expression, self-efficacy, and social skills after musical activities with the Orff Approach. Also, children interacted with the musical activities according to the Orff Approach like a game. They noted that they were able to explain their thoughts and emotions better; their relationships with friends improved, as well. Therefore, this research is significant because it shows that musical activities according to the Orff Approach have possibilities to be utilized as a program for children's psychological and emotional support.