Sound as a backdrop
I began exploring how my students used - or did not use - music while studying. Interestingly some students could use music as a backdrop and study effectively - some students had distinct preferences. From what I gathered about home working conditions the students with preferences used music when creating / drawing (right brain) and avoided music when reading / writing (left brain).
Geary,
Thank you for your comments about the use of music in educational settings. The key is to use or not use resources that help to engage students. We instructors need to be able to analyze our instructional settings and then select what will work best for the currently enrolled students. This is what customizing education should be about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not everyone is in complete agreement with anything to include music in or out of the classroom environment. I always see agreement when it is time to leave for the day. With the many learning styles in the classroom, I have recognized that trying to implement a technique everyone would be happy with is just short of a miracle. Implementing music must be short in duration as to not to turn off everyone. Music in short bytes, along with other learning techniques (roll playing) must be short in duration so attention by everyone takes place. I love all types of music but understand that some students learn best when in the quiet zone.
Kris,
Your use of music before class is a good way to get the students settled in. I would support you not using music during class for the reasons you state.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have recently started playing music prior to class starting as students arrive and during breaks, it seems to set a calm and relaxed atmosphere. I have not tried to incorporate music into the lessons as I think it would be distracting to non-auditory learners, like me.
I agree I've used this in a few classes to varying results.
Larry,
Good point and something that an instructor needs to consider if he/she decides to use music in the classroom or lab.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that music in the classroom can have a negative effect. It can be distracting and not everybody likes the sane music. In a work environment however it can be motivating, providing everybody can agree on the type of music.
I agree during lecture times I stay away from music but during Lab I play a mix of music.
I found the use of sound interesting. I have always known some people like sound and others did not while studying, however, I never took the time to study sound as a backdrop to learning. An avenue that I am now pursing with a literature review. Thanks for the insight!
I believe music is a relaxing way to get certain parts of the brain working. But, you must be careful with what it is that you're trying to teach, as the music can work as big distraction.
I use music in my class if it has to do with the material, and for some it is helpful. Otherwise, I think it can be a distraction.
Randy,
Good points about the impact music has on the different learning and study patterns of students. This is why understanding the different cognitive processing formats that students have gives you insight on how to target your instruction.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
