Music and Visuals in Classroom
I teach learners ranging in age from 20-50 in a Career institution. Much of this seems more relevant for children and teens. I am having difficulty sensing how appropriate a lot of this material is in my Speech and English classes that meet once a week in a 4 hour block.
Yeah the same here, as a Vocational Instructor of (95% male) students ranging from 18 to 50, I don't think any of my students would be into seeing "colorful pleasent pictures on the wall" or a smiley face on their chair, maybe skulls and daggers and half maked women on motorcycles but certainly not anything that was suggested in this module would go over, it would be hard to listen to Bach and Mozart over the roar of big v-twins and inline 4 cylinder engines.
I definite agree with having visuals in the classroom. I myself am a very visual learner. It is so much simplier to point out on visual effects than trying to get a student to visualize the learning material. As for music that is a different story. It is to distracting for me. I do not enjoy music even while dining.
Yes, Jane, I absolutely agree with you here. I teach English Comp at a career college, and I've taken surveys--continue to do so--in order to get a sense of where my students have been, vis-a-vis writing and English, and where they might wish to go. I'm still acquiring surveys and in October of this year will have five years worth of data. One of the last questions on the survey asks if students find that listening to non-lyrical music helps or hinders their journal writng (mostly classical, some jazz). In general, the feedback is mostly positive. True, perhaps this is due to my implementing the music the last 4-5 classes of the term.
However, this term I've begun playing the music 8-9 classes before the term expires. I've done this for a couple of reasons. One: the suggestion in this course (107) has fortified my own, pre-107, inclination to do so. Also, I like the idea of picking particular times to play the music--for example, it makes eminently good sense to at least play upbeat tunes before and during the arrival of students to the classroom. I also like to sample receptivity while students write their initial journals at the beginning of class. Finally, I'd like to experiment with a little bit of music later on in the two hour class, however briefly, for either intrapersonal work or for group work. Feedback here is a must!
I agree, Elton but still think we can find it useful. The trick is finding the write type of music and understanding when to apply it.
As for the visuals, I love the idea of using Motiviational quotes, posters, etc. I think everyone can use words of encouragement.
Jan
Hi Eric!
Yes, it can be distracting, therefore, finding just the right time to use music is important. You might ask your students what they think and that will differ with each new group of students.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I am having the same issues trying to adapt this to my culinary classes too...i find music soothing but also it becomes a distraction.
Hi Elton!
I hear your concern Elton! I bet our classroom students feel the same way at times. But the idea is to remind and encourage continuous learning and apply that information where we can.
Thanks for your feedback and I have forwarded to the appropriate staff at MaxKnowledge.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
