How to Engage Students in Learning: Using Music

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #9

How do I teach thee? Let me count the ways. Our specific query today is: How can we best engage our students in learning? First of all, what do we mean by “engaging” students in the learning? Understandably, this in itself is a broad topic. I have culled the following definition from numerous academic resources: Real student engagement involves authentic opportunities, which put academic concepts into action and skills into practice. A student “engaged” in the learning would be one who is energized by the learning and actively participating in it. The student’s joy of learning leads to a lifelong passion for solving problems, understanding, and taking the next step in their thinking.

As a contrast, let's briefly examine some methodologies we know don't engage student interest; we can learn what not to do. Worksheets, and similar activities are not engaging. Do they keep students busy? Yes. Are they motivating? No. Reading the textbook aloud and then answering questions at the end of the section is a fairly common classroom practice. Does it take up the whole class period? Yes. Is it motivating and exciting to students? No. While these activities deceptively look like they keep students involved and engaged, in reality they do not. However, you can meet the same goals and objectives with alternative activities that are engaging.
What strategies can we use to foster student engagement in learning? There are as many “proven” teaching strategies as there are “experts” in each one. Rather than obfuscating this vital topic, allow me to present a few methods and activities I have personally found that really work to gain student interest and enthusiasm. We will examine one idea each week.

Students that are excited about learning, are motivated to pay attention in class, and nothing motivates them more than your excitement. Someone once said, "Enthusiasm is contagious." As a bonus, you will have few, if any behavior problems in your class when the students are truly engaged in the learning. Many times student misbehavior in the classroom happens because of boredom. When students are excited about their learning, they are motivated to pay attention in class. You get excited because your students are actually paying attention. The students sense your excitement and get even more motivated to participate in your class. What is one strategy to elicit student engagement?

One of the best ways to see students become excited and actually have fun learning is through the use of music. We intuitively understand how the "ABC Song" demonstrates the effectiveness of music. The use of music in the classroom is consistent with theories of multi-sensory learning. Research has confirmed what educators have known for years-- that we have a variety of different, but mutually enhancing, avenues to learning. Music is one such avenue. Recent cognitive research also indicates that a wide range of music experiences has a powerful effect on influencing language development, as well as increasing concentration, memory, visual and listening skills, spatial orientation and physical coordination.

What better way to gain knowledge and confidence in oral language than through music? The successful acquisition of reading and writing in early childhood depends on a solid background in oral language skills. Oral language is an interactive and social process, and music is a natural way for children to experience rich language in a pleasurable way. A myriad of similarities exist between literacy acquisition and musical development. Therefore, combining music with language arts instruction is a natural. (Davies, 2000). Virtually every concept in all subject areas can be learned through music. Here are a few examples.

Several of my math teachers were frustrated their students (in middle school) still didn’t know the multiplication tables. This was slowing their progress in pre-Algebra immensely. I suggested they try using some of the math rap songs available.
Most children love the rhythm of rap, so this is a great avenue for them to learn multiplication tables. On the DVD my teachers selected, the hip hop beat keeps kids rapping as multiplication gradually becomes easy and accurate. Each fact is repeated twice. The second time through, the answer is delayed, giving the student time to answer before the answer is given. The students could be heard reciting the rap at lunch and in the hallways. They thought it was “cool.” They learned their times tables quickly, and the learning process was fun. This is one website offering raps for teaching multiplication as well as other subject areas: A. There are many more sites like this available on the Internet.

My social studies teachers used a rap when teaching the states and their capitols. The students turned the rap into a performance for their parents. It was a delightful presentation, and the kids were proud of their accomplishment! Here is a link to the video of the State Capitols rap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNUDDaEOvuY

Another example using music as an instrument to get students engaged in the learning, is a teacher in The Bronx who turned a lesson about the scientific process of photosynthesis into a hip-hop song. Enjoy viewing this one here: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/education&id=6795426

Even adults prefer learning to music. A Southwestern Airlines Flight Attendant got fed up with no one paying attention when he read the safety regulations during take-off (must have been the teacher in him). So, he created a rap, and successfully got full audience (the passengers) participation and attention. You can watch this great example of teaching through music here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivjybzdXVmI

How can I take this concept to the next level in my teaching? Good question. Once the students are hooked on learning through music, it’s their turn to really shine. They will literally jump at the opportunity to work with a partner or in a small group to compose a rap or song on any skill or concept you would like them to learn. Talk about a dream, like creating your own teaching team! Next time, instead of a dull worksheet, try a song or a rap. No need to invent one, there are plenty of existing resources, not to mention your own very inventive students. Watch your kids light up and learn with exuberance, through the magic of music.

“It occurred to me by intuition, and music was the driving force behind that intuition. My discovery was the result of musical perception.” (When asked about his Theory of Relativity)-Albert Einstein

Before giving more examples of strategies to get students fully engaged, next week’s posting will discuss: Why teaching for active engagement in learning is so important?