Music
I had never really thought about having music playing when my students are arriving and leaving the classroom. I want them motivated when they leave so they continue the learning process after class.
I try to use music as much as possible but the only problem I run in to is that there is not one genre of music that every one likes. I can get about 70% of the students to agree on one type than the next time I have the other 30% choose.
I give a 60-90 minute video lecture prior to class as I am working with a flipped classroom. I have found music during the start of the video and fading into the video helps to set the mood for the student.
Music while studying is definately helpful. However, I have found that if the music contains lyrics or words (in a language that you understand) than it actually distracts you from the information you are trying to attain.
edward,
I would think this would also help them grow accustomed to an environment with noise, etc which will most likely be what they will face in a real kitchen.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have found that playing reggae music during the cooking portions of the class keeps the students more relaxed and engaged which allows them to be more focused and produce better product because they are more relaxed.
Richard,
that is interesting to note the help it has been, even in student success.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am another one that is not a big fan of music but find since we have been using it in the classroom the students stay more focused on the activities they are envolved in and find completion rates are much better.
You can not accommodate all musical preferences in a classroom.For legal and learning reasons, resist.
William,
yes, soft music or classical can be a great asset to studying.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I always used background music when I studied in college . mostly classical stuff it made a difference for me
Bronzel,
this is a really good idea as it keeps the sudden change from being a distraction.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
When I am turning the music on or off, I manage the transition. Slowly increasing the music's volume when turning it on. When turning music off, initially raise the volume a little before slowly fading the volume off. It works for me.
I like the music for hands on training. Keep the volume in check so they can still talk amongst each other and be able to hear. I always play the theme to "Rocky" before a test. Puts them at ease.
marvin,
that's a good question & I would say you shouldn't try. Rather I would encourage you to find a right style of music for the lab environment, appealing but not distracting. Many restaurants don't play my type of music, but I still eat there. The students will still be able to learn.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I'm not really a big music fan, however I do play music for my students. Since I started playing music I have noticed that thier are fewer questions and better scores on lab projects If the right music is being played. But how do I accomidate the musical perferences for everyone in the room?
I like the music idea. I am going to try it tomorrow and see how it goes. I think that teaching my labs they would associate it with rhythm and technique.
Heidi,
and this is a great example where the subject matter goes hand in hand with the music as it is very helpful for relaxing & helping customers in these situations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
We use music all the time in massage therapy. So much so that if it is not on, the students will either request it or put it on themselves. The one thing that I remember most from my massage therapy training was how the music made everything meaningful to learn. We knew which artists were playing, so you could go out and buy the music played in class. Still listen to that music to this day.
Scott,
what an excellent example of how music can be used to help reinforce the learning that is occurring. This shows that some topics & classes are well suited to this use of music & with such a recognizable beat, something they can keep in their heads for when they are in the "real world."
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
