E-portfolio : Using music in the classroom

Children must be taught how they think, now what to think

-Margaret Mead-

Generative Questions:

How is music beneficial in the language class?

How often should teacher use music to teach English?

There are grounds for the believe that music plays an important role in the language classroom. Apart from this, many educators use music to modify the classroom`s atmosphere within seconds. It seems to me that music can help learners comprehend more about linguistic details. One of the most striking features is that music is used for teaching new words; in fact, Warnke (2006) mention that: “Music and songs provide quite a lot of material, which can be used for learners of English as a foreign language”. (p.3).

Bearing this in mind, educators could use language learning set to music will benefit students recognize rhythm, stress, intonation as well. As a future teacher, I could also use music in order to explain pronunciation, or rhyme. It is no secret that songs are used by teacher as an attractive way to teach grammatical concepts; what is more, I think that learners will recall these rules better when they try to hum the lyrics several times.

From my point of view, music can play a very important role in a foreign language classroom. One instance could be that, it is a remarkable tool for helping learners to obtain language, motivating students’ intellects as well. Furthermore, music is a great teaching tool which has ability to join cultures and languages. For me, the gist of the matter is that teacher has into account several aspects to teach as:

It is important to recognize what are students’ favorite types of music; this brings up to the question of whether music is useful or not! So, the main point is to figure out how professors applying songs. For instance, educator could use repetitive stanzas which are easy to comprehend.

It is possible to use music as a nice lead-in to the lesson in order to engage learners to discuss some issues related to the song. Teacher must be careful when choosing a song, that is to say, selecting one with an easily chorus is an appropriate decision. Many teachers could use lyrics to change students’ attitude, it is often said that if students had been in a same position throughout the lesson, it’s a good idea to play some energetic music.

It seems to me that before listening to the song, educator could show some images associated with the melody and make pupils will speculate about the title of the track.

Songs can also serve as a mean for discussing a grammar point. One way is to ask pupils to look through the lyrics and find some examples of a grammar structure; in other words, educators could teach adjectives, try to choose songs with lots of adjectives in the lyrics.

According to Lenka (2009) “Auditory learners learn through listening. They learn best through verbal lectures, discussion and listening to others. They benefit from reading texts aloud and the use of a text recorder. In a classroom, auditory learners need to hear the new language. Also, listening to music might be very helpful.” (p.15)

It is acknowledged that lyrics can also help as a device in teaching new vocabulary. As I see it, one activity is to play music and ask the learners to write down the adjectives that they hear; then pupils share the words with the rest of the class.

In comparison with other teaching technique, music could help pupils with their learning acquisition. While it is true students must use their previous knowledge to comprehend lyrics; it is also true that through this activities learner could break the ice in class.