Value Reconstruction and Practical Pathways: An Empirical Study on the Impact of Public Music Education in Universities on Students' Aesthetic Literacy and Innovative Thinking

Abstract: In the contemporary landscape of higher education, public music education often occupies a marginalized position, with its core value requiring redefinition beyond mere recreational activity. This study employs a mixed-methods empirical approach to investigate the impact of public music education on the development of university students' aesthetic literacy and innovative thinking. A quasi-experimental design was implemented, comparing a cohort of students enrolled in structured public music courses with a control group. Data were collected through pre- and post-test surveys measuring aesthetic perception, appreciation, and critical thinking skills, alongside the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT). Quantitative results indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between participation in public music education and enhanced levels of both aesthetic literacy and innovative thinking. Qualitative analysis of student reflections and project-based work further revealed deeper engagement and transference of creative skills to other academic domains. The findings argue for a fundamental re-evaluation of public music education's role in fostering essential 21st-century competencies. Based on the empirical evidence, the study concludes by proposing a practical framework of actionable pathways for curriculum reform and pedagogical innovation to maximize these developmental benefits within university education. Keywords: Public Music Education; Aesthetic Literacy; Innovative Thinking; Empirical Study; Higher Education. Title: Value Reconstruction and Practical Pathways: An Empirical Study on the Impact of Public Music Education in Universities on Students' Aesthetic Literacy and Innovative Thinking Author: Yang Jing International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 412-419 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 20-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17657724 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/value-reconstruction-and-practical-pathways-an-empirical-study-on-the-impact-of-public-music-education-in-universities-on-students-aesthetic-literacy-and-innovative-thinking