Exploring the Impact of Music and Arts Integration on Secondary School Teachers' Approaches to Catechetics: Mixed Method Analysis

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study explored the impact of integrating creative disciplines, specifically music and arts, on teachers’ approaches to Catechetics, with consideration of teaching experience. Quantitative data were gathered through structured survey instruments and analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA. In contrast, qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to enrich the interpretation of statistical results. Findings revealed that both music and arts integration were at low levels of implementation, while teachers’ professional experience, whether novice or experienced, also had a limited effect on dynamic instructional delivery. However, approaches to Catechetics, particularly in terms of student engagement, curriculum adaptation, and teacher strategies, were extensively applied. The ANOVA results showed no significant interaction effect between the type of integration and teaching experience; however, teaching experience had a significant impact on instructional approaches independently. Qualitative analysis produced three key themes: artistic expression and emotional learning, student-centered engagement, and creative personalization of instruction. The study recommends targeted teacher development, provision of contextual resources, and sustained support to promote creative Catechetical instruction.