[content_protector password=”running”]According to many different research studies at universities all over the world, music makes you smarter (but you didn’t need a university professor to tell you that!). Listening to music while you work increases the power of your mind, helps you to remember more information, and relaxes you.
You’d think that this was enough to convince teachers to let you have music on in the classrooms. But no…
Teachers want students to learn. Students want to learn. Acquiring new skills and knowledge, understanding concepts, scoring well in exams and tests, being prepared for moving onto college or university is why schools exist. Everyone at school (and beyond) needs to learn.
In order to do this, schools invest millions of dollars in good teachers, computer equipment, books, libraries, maths resources, behaviour plans, comfortable furniture, and sports equipment – as well as a whole lot of other things. But where’s the investment in music in the classroom? With the push in many schools up and down the country for Bring Your Own Device, it should be easy to allow students to plug in and enjoy music while they work.
Of course, no wants to be plugged in all the time! The most important aspect of learning is to discuss and collaborate with others – and that’s impossible with headphones or earbuds. But, when working independently, what’s to stop students from accompanying writing or keyboard-tapping with their favourite songs?
As well as increasing brain power, memory and learning, there are many other benefits: there’d be far less noise in the classroom; students will be concentrating on their own work; fewer students will be moving around bothering others (aside from a bit of air-drumming perhaps and accidental singing out loud!); fewer behaviour issues; and students would actually look forward to working!
Many teachers work before of after school in the classroom with the radio or music on, and when they work at home at weekends there’s music playing. But, magically, as soon as the school day starts, the music stops. Why?
Listening to music is scientifically proven to be good for learning. Let the music play!
[colored_box color=”green”]This is an opinion-based article designed to provoke debate, discussion and further inquiry amongst your students: [/colored_box] [colored_box color=”yellow”]Critical Thinking Challenges:
- Why do you think music is so good for your mind?
- Does listening to music make you more productive?
- Why do some teachers object to students listening to music?
- If music aids your brain, what else – that currently isn’t done in classrooms – might also help?
[/colored_box] [colored_box color=”green”]Practical Tasks:
- Design a playlist (lasting either for a lesson or for a whole day) that you think would make someone the most productive. Include a range of styles and a mix of old and new music. Perhaps share this list with your classmates or teacher, and play it in lessons and see if it works!
- Write an article, give a speech or prepare a presentation to argue either for or against having music in classrooms.
[/colored_box] [colored_box color=”red”]Have Your Say: [socialpoll id=”[socialpoll id=”2292091″] [/colored_box]
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