Should music be allowed in a classroom? If so, how? Should the teacher play one type of music or should students be allowed to bring their own personal music players? Does music really help stimulate the brain or help some students to focus? After reading some very interesting articles on this subject, I would like to state my point of view.
First of all, being a young adult who has grown up with the ever-changing technology and relying greatly on it, I personally love music and would be lost in this world without it! I listen to music whenever I can, actually I am listening to it write now as a write this blog. While I do feel music can be distracting at times (especially if a really great song comes on), I also think it can be a great asset to education and teaching! One of the articles I read was written by a first year teacher who stumbled upon the rewards of allowing her students to listen to their IPods or MP3 players during work (I believe this shouldn't be allowed before middle school), but there were some rules, such as this was only allowed on Fridays as a reward, they could only have one ear piece in, it had to be quiet enough so no one else could hear it, and it could be taken away at any time the teacher saw fit. Some may wonder about the censorship or monitoring of what the students were listening to and I can understand why that would be of some concern, but first of all, if the students are still pre-teens or early teens, their parents should be monitoring what they are listening to. Second, we cannot control what they are thinking or what they may say outside of the classroom and chances are that they are exposed to and probably use graphic language, so as long as no one else can hear it how is it any different than their thoughts!
Many of teachers who used this practice all agree that it almost instantly stops the talking, horseplaying, and other little things students do to disrupt class. Allowing students to have something to look forward to but something they know can be taken away for misbehavior is great for discipline and classroom management. It is also usually very effective at helping students concentrate and not pay attention to what is going on throughout the classroom. I know when I am studying or doing homework and have a music playing in the background, low enough not to distract me but loud enough for "white noise", I become deep in thought and concentration as to what I am working on and before I know it I am either done or more time has passed than I realized! Of course this idea is not perfect and will not work for every classroom but music has been around for so long and I do not believe we have truly adopted the idea of how powerful it can be! Sure everyone has different tastes in music and what is noise to some may be beautiful to others but it is what the music does to us that is important. I think this is too great of an idea to just forget about, at least we should research it some more!
Thank You!
19 comments:
This is an excellent topic. I loved the idea of the MP3 players as rewards. I agree with you, I seem to do better when I have some type of white noise. The way I learned some Math, English, and Geography through song. Music is absolutely needed in the classroom in my opinion.
I do think that music should be a part of the classroom, but not in a way were children are to bring there own. Some children will bring out right nasty music just to make a laugh and then you have distracted everyone and then everyones music will be took from them. I do 100% agree that music should stay a part of the classroom, but I am not so sure what way is the right way.
I agree that music should be a major part of the classroom, however I don't believe they should choose the music I think the teacher should poll the students to see what they like, then if it isn't inappropriate then use it.
I think that music should be a part of the classroom. Some kids learn through music and remember things better when they hear a song. But I do feel that the music played should be monitored.
I never really thought about whether or not to let students listen to music in class. I think that allowing the students bring their own isn't a good idea because they could be sitting their listening to a song that says that they want to kill the teacher. I do think that having some music playing during class wouldn't be that bad, but letting them bring their own I would not do. It would also cause stress when some children don't have a playre to bring. I want to eliminate any chance for a child to feel left out.
That was a cool idea. I never knew anything about those articles that you commented on. There should be rules when allowing the students to listen to music. I do agree that they should be sensored. Some children may get ahold of a song that their parents know nothing about.
I do like the idea of music in the classroom as a reward. But I don't think that it could be used on a daily basis. Another thing that I really do question is the children that don't have a mp3 player or and ipod, I feel like they would be left out. So if everyone doesn't have something to listen to in the classroom then I think it's a good idea as a teacher to let the students to make a list of songs that they would enjoy and maybe play the music as a whole class on Friday's.
Different strokes for different Folks!! I do understand that people learn in a variety of ways. However, if you allow one person to listen to music while they work then you have to let everyone and as a whole this could create a huge distraction.
I love music. Music has been a big part of my life. I was getting in trouble back in the early 90s for taking my walkman to school and listening to Micheal Jackson on the playground. Music should be allowed in the classroom, but only at certain times. Not during a test. Not during an assignment that requires kids to communicate with each other. But if there is some down time or free time in the classroom, Jam Out with Your Ham Out!
This is a good idea. I had never heard of it before but it does have a lot of positive rewards and I agree with it immensely. A child who is deep in thought with their work while listening to music, is much likely to behave better then a classroom full of children who would rather talk then work.
Music is very important. Some say that children who are active in music classes or take lessons are more likely to succeed in Math and Science. I can vouch for this. I took piano lessons in elementary school and progress extremely in school. So I would have to agree with you. Very good post!
I think that is a good idea…I would try it and if it didn’t work, it could always be taken away. It’s true that we cannot control every aspect of what they do, if they are worried about the song content, the parent should deal with that. I would definitely try it.
This was a very informative blog. Thanks!! I know I listen to music when I have to study or write papers so I can drown out the world around me. I think this is a very good idea allowing music in the classroom.
I feel that music in the class room would make a great reward for students. I can see how it would cut out some of the classroom disruptions. I think this could be a very useful tool if used properly.
I don't like the idea of music in the classroom on a day to day basis or even on Friday as a "reward." I work in the school system and have seen in just about every classroom where there are children who have to have focus to be able to get their work done. If music is allowed, these children would not have that focus. Most all schools have music class where the children can learn many aspects of music. However, if the classroom is having a party and no lessons are being taught, then it would be perfectly ok to play music. I don't think they should be allowed to bring their own, because I have seen the hurt looks of children whose parents can't afford to buy them ipods, etc.
Music in the classroom should only enhance the lesson plan.I pods and MP3 players should only be used in the classroom on special occasions. Some students would probably try to bring them to class everyday and this would only create a kayos.Making difficulties for the teacher to lecture a lesson for that day. As usual their will always be one bad apple in the bunch, to spoil it for everyone. This classroom approach might work and might not. Not really sure, but do not oppose it all together. Any music lover would definitely love this idea.
Music can be a great, if you can use it to help teach even better, but you have to watch out for what kind of music it is so that you won't make some people uncomfortable.
I love music, all types of music. And I think students should be exposed to all types of music, I think it will make them more well rounded. I love the idea of music as rewards, as long as their is control and does not get out of hand.
I love music and think everyone needs it in there life for lots of reasons. Most of them you discussed. I think it sets a mood in you. I like the idea of using it in the classroom not just for music class.
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