Music for thinking
I love to play music in my classroom, Though my area of expertise is cosmetology. I feel that music helps their creativity. It has to be clean and a majority vote from the class has to take place before the music is accepted. This helps the student be in control of their atomsphere and also helps with teaching them the importance of not offending your co-worker or clients.
I always play music when i teach the math portion of the course. I have found out that students easliy associate music with math. i think they put the calculations to thebeat and solve them that way.
I also use music in when the students are in the laboratory setting. After the opening instructions and questions, as students begin working on their activities and moving about I turn on a mix of what I like, and what they like. I have a selection and then shuffle it so that it is random. Try to please as many as possible, without distracting any.
I usually utilize relaxation music when teaching guided imagery or stress reduction techniques to my class, but after taking this course, I think I will introduce it to the beginning of all my classes.
I believe music has always been a source of relaxation.Soft music in the background, gives a calming effect in the classroom.
I agree that music helps stimulate, however at my present job music is not allowed in the classroom.
=[
Andrew,
and we all change & grow throughout the process so it may pay for some to revisit the idea.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I teach massage and music is very important. This made me think though. We play relaxing mellow music, which really wouldn't help while trying to stay awake and learning. Maybe in beginning labs we should be a little less mellow.
I was always one in high school that preferred silence when learning. As I progressed through college I found music to be very therapeutic and helped me get through some tough nights of studying. I feel that music in the classroom is terrific and love hearing it when working in clinic.
Jenni,
I think that depending upon the type of project, the music really can enhance the environment & assist with task completion and/or learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Ambient or classical music has been great in our classroom during the computer projects.
George,
this is great feedback to hear & glad the students were positively responsive. It doesn't work for every subject, class or particular group, but definitely something to consider trying.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree do play music and it does help.
I tried for the first time playing music as the students came into the classroom in the morning and got a great response. The class participated more in group discussions and seemed to be more engaged throughout the class.
Dr. Richard,
I like this idea especially for early in the morning as it can get their brains engaged early on.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I will admit that I play Motown music prior to the beginning of each class, as students are entering the classroom, and preparing for class. Many students have commented that it is energizing and upbeat; especially for classes beginning at 8:15 am. I have noticed that students are animated and engaging.
Bob,
yes, music can be a great resource when used properly.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Music help to reduce tension, but helps people to work much more effectively. We call it " functional music"
For certain projects music help,especially if it is along one. It keeps students more motivated
Kimberly,
this is a great way to incorporate the music & also teach some valuable professional skills & critical thinking.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
