Music
I had never thought of using music to enhance the learning process outside of a music-oriented class.
I think this concept is very interesting. We are not allowed to play music in our classrooms because I teach at a culinary school and it can be considered "dangerous" to have music in the kitchen. I wonder if this concept was brought to light in the corporate decision making realm, if they might consider revising the rules.
Elizabeth,
I have found that soft calming music breaks the monotomy when students are reading or doing web-based studies. After introducing it initially, I have found that now the students request it during this study time.
I play soft classical music during production of individual practicals. It quiets the kitchen and they seem to concentrate better on the outcomes.
I use music at least three or four times a week. Sometimes we come up with rhymes as a group or a little tune to help us remember anatomy or help with identifying parts of the equipment we use in dentistry. We also listen to the radio during our "mock dental lab" we do this to get the students used to hearing the music and learning when to "tune" out the music and listen to the patient or the dentist because that is how it is in a real office.
I believe in the use of music to stimulate the brain. I have seen this work in Sleep Medicine and I've received a large amount of positive feedback from patients who were exposed to this during their sleep studies.
I currently use music in my classes and it really helps set the tone for the class and keeps the students motivated and awake.
I play an energetic mix during hands-on lab time and always notice an increase in energy over not playing any music.
we have almost a full week of lab and practice projects. playing music rellay helps during this time. especially up beat music
Jaclyn,
this is a great example of the power that music can have.
Dr. Ryan Meers
David,
I can imagine that it helps break up some of the monotony & also can help with the concepts/ideas.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Before all the copyright laws were so readily enforced the choice of music was easy.....whatever I wanted. Now there are many fears behind playing ANYTHING out side of the lesson plan. When allowed I have found that the music did create a better learning enviroment.
Raymond,
this is true & we need to set an example of being careful. There are many great free listening options out there as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I didn't either. I guess its okay to do in places such as these. Quite frankly, I have not witnessed anyone else trying music in the class either. I guess I am going to be a pioneer.
Music can be very soothing and set the mood for your class.
I always like my students to leave on a positive note, so I find upbeat happy music helps me to accomplish this.
Vernise
I used music all the time in classes when I have the opportunity. I can see that students greatly respond to it and that the music does seem to calm the classroom and focas the students.
I would like to try this. I am concerned that because of the age and maturity level of my students, that the style of music may present a problem and they may prefer not to have any at all.
I am skeptical about music enhancing learning but I am curious to try it to see what happens.
Robin ,
it really will depend on the subject you teach as well as the general make up of the class. It isn't for every situation, but it's worth a try.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I realized that music has a calming affect if you have something soft and melow playing. Students tend to learn better when they are clam happy and relaxed.
