Examining the Impact of Teaching Innovations on Students' Learning Outcomes: The Mediating Role of Cultural Awareness and the Moderating Influence of Music Teachers’ Experience at Universities in Henan Province

Abstract

This study examines the impact of teaching innovations on students' learning outcomes, focusing on the mediating role of cultural awareness and the moderating effect of music teachers’ experience. As globalization and digitalization accelerate, traditional music education methods may no longer fully meet the needs of higher education students, making teaching innovations increasingly crucial in multicultural music education. Based on cross-sectional survey data from 280 undergraduate music education students across five universities in Henan Province, this study employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships among teaching innovations, cultural awareness, teacher experience, and learning outcomes. The findings indicate that teaching innovations significantly enhance students' learning outcomes, with cultural awareness playing a key mediating role in this process. Additionally, experienced music teachers are more effective in implementing teaching innovations to improve student learning, whereas less experienced teachers may face challenges in applying these methods. The study provides empirical evidence for music education reforms in higher education and highlights the importance of teacher training in fostering cultural awareness and optimizing teaching innovations. These findings offer valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and curriculum developers, contributing to the advancement of more inclusive and innovative music education models in China's higher education system.