The role of music in the classroom
By Heather Jameson
A Monday morning after a hectic weekend. Walking into Grade 9 for a
creative lesson is often like walking into a battlefield, no desire to
work, they would much rather be comparing notes on the weekend's
activities.
This day as I step into the room, a hush comes over the group of 27.
They peer at me with great curiosity. In my hands I hold the weapon, a
CD player. I feel the eyes follow me until the desk, where their
curiosity can hold no longer.
"Miss are we jiving today?" asks one young soul.
"Not quite, we are creating" is my reply.
It has long been said that music has a soothing effect, however I find
teachers reluctant to use this as a tool in the classroom. It is my
experience, however, that it can make teaching easier and learning more
fun.
Back in the Grade 9 class, I gave them their topic and played an array
of classical and neo-classical music, as they began there were those
who were sceptical and those who criticised the music. That did not
last long, though, five minutes into the lesson they were all
engrossed in their task. Even those whose concentration usually falters were
at work. As the fall and rise of the music could be heard so did the
emotions and facial expressions of the learners. The lesson began to
come to an end and it was break time, they did not want to go until
they had completed their work "Please miss just 5 more minutes."
"Please leave the music on," were the last words I had expected to hear
yet it was 10 minutes into break before I could pack up the 'weapon'
and head to the staff room, satisfied and a little surprised at the
success of the lesson.
Now came the real test, did their written work reflect the situation,
yes! They truly opened themselves to the experience and most of them
wrote some of the best work they have done for me thus far this year.
Music need not only be used during creative lessons, but as a
background to written work of all kinds, at any time when calm,
concentration is needed, the music can be used to create a favourable
learning environment for both the learners and teachers alike.
It is soothing, relaxing and inspirational and I know I will certainly
be using it more often when I do battle with my Grade 9's.
