Music in the classroom
Having back ground music in the class room always makes a better environment because it removes the stress of the activities. I have noticed that have 15 or 20 minutes of music the students do not even realize music is even playing. It is important to me to keep a relaxed environment because I teach electrical systems and students are scared of electricity.
This sounds like an effective way of eliminating one problem that can have a very detrimental impact on others in the room while establishing a new procedure that can actually benefit everyone.
I definitely like the idea of using music in the classroom, although I haven't had good results with making it work yet. I too, believe starting off class in a relaxed environment is good for both myself and my students. I usually take a poll (anonymously) to see what the mood of the class is; depending on the results, will determine if I need to spend some time discussing stress management, or some sort of venting exercise, so that we can get a good start on the class and the material we will cover. I do this because, since we are all human, sometimes we do have bad days and that negative energy comes with the student to class. Also, this lets my students know that I not only understand how they may be feeling and that I can relate, but also that I care about them. I am going to keep trying to get the music to work for my classroom. With music, I can start the class with something a bit upbeat to get them wide awake, and towards the end of class, something a bit more calming as we are adjourning for the day.
I really enjoyed playing music in our classroom, I do mostly all hands-on activities and I really saw how students worked on their production in a great pace and at the same time were more relaxed about their environment.
I definately agree with this one...I have tried on many occasions to have music play in the background during in class labs and I have found that the noise in the room becomes uncontrollable. It seems that the first group tries to talk over the music then next group tries to talk over the first group and so on...
I have noticed that if the class becomes noisy during their lab production if I turn music on they seem to focus more on their tasks. Also if the music has an upbeat tempo they move with determination.
Greetings Jessie!
Great observation! Would you please share specifically what you have noticed?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
Greetings Chris!
The indegenous music is a wonderful idea!
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I Agree Music does have a calming affect, I teach Culinary and the enviroment can be stressful to students. I find it helps them focus and get there creative juices flowing. I try to choose indegenous music to the food that we are cooking.
I have noticed that if music is played in the classroom the students are more attentive to their surroundings and have a tendency to pay closer attention to what they are working on. Without music to fill the void they float off task and become distracted quite easily
Hi Joseph!
A great example of when music in the classroom works! I continue to struggle with the use of music - I want to but can't seem to make it fit!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I teach culinary school and work in a specialized baking and pasry program. I teach mostly the decorative calsses offered tword the end of the program. During my wedding cake class...I like to play soft jazz and I find that students are more creative when music is playing. I usually get the request to turn the music up...I don't. I keep it a low volume.
In recent classes, during group exercises, I have had the problem of student's playing music on their laptops, frequently it is inappropriate and not liked by all. I am excited to try playing music which is appropriate and will set the tone (and of course does not violate any copyrights)
Thanks for the tips
Elizabeth Owen
Music during lectures and discussions would be impossible. But, during lab sessions, as long as it is neutral music everybody agrees to, I am happy to let the students listen.
Most of the time, however, since there are so many different musical preferences, students often ask if they can listen to their own music on MP3 players.
Q: Do you allow students to listen to their MP3 players during lab work?
I use messages from certain songs to bring the topics to their attention.
I am in a classroom that has to ok the music that we hear because the students like there music. I find some of the younger generation music hes alot of swearing in it.
I would like to hear music in the classroom if we can come to a agreement on the music.
Hi Paul,
I have not personally used music in the classroom, however, in a new venture I will have the opportunity to give it a try.
My concern has been - just as you described - a distration for some students. What type of music have you used?
Good comments/student observation - keep up the good work.
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I have had mixed results when playing music in the classroom. Although I personally enjoy music in the classroom during our two weeks of labratory time, I have noticed on occassion that some students can not concentrate well with the added distraction of music on top off the normal buzz of the classroom. But the majority of the class is excited about having music in the classroom and actually shows signs of excelling during this period on the average. As a result of the positive feedback I've had I am inclined to contiue with playing music in the classroom.
Greetings Frank!
Who has to approve - the school, the student or both?
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I also allow music to play during lab,but it have to be agreed.
