Why music in class?
Integrating music in the classroom can enhance our students' learning experiences in many different ways. The brain learns in patters and music is delivered in patterns too, that is why it is much easier to remeber the ABC in a song than if it is spoken.
Music helps us to coordinate the rhythm of the heart, our breathing, and our brain waves. It contributes to our body and mind relaxation opening the door for learning.
Music is a powerful tool that can create a warm and exciting environmet in class and can change negative emotions.
The use of music in my class
We can use music for different purposes and at different moments. Here you have some songs I usually use in my classes.... bear in mind that from time to time it will be advisable to change the songs so as not to bore your students!
Opening ritual: when students enter my class they listen to some uplifting songs to get energized like "Eye of the tiger", then we do some brain gym activities to prepare our brains for learning.
Concentration time: For reading or other activities that require concentration I play some Baroque music, Chopin, Celtic music, new age, etc. Avoid music with lyrics, the ideal is to play instrumental songs.
Closing ritual: Finally, when the class ends I usually play some stimulating songs again like "We are the champions" "I am a believer" "Let the river run" while they put their things away and get ready to go home.
Remember that your class should be like an electrocardiagram, it should have moments of instruction and moments of relax and you can accompany those moments with the appropriate music and rhythm.
In the following links you will find the access to the playlists I use in class with my students.
Opening Ritual
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgYpI5KqTNI&list=PL85DE272028F261E3
Concentration Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeyQ9Rk9Zvk&list=PLYunnD_nqmi1wDBSm0KZsUStgDLAm0eo2
Closing Ceremony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaKDOYTZbJg&list=PLYunnD_nqmi2Buqwo0rdIxCihyFKcGGr3
What are the essential facts we should take into account for a successful learning experience? What does the brain need to learn successfully? The following truths can help teachers to have an idea of what is necessary to take the most out of our students and develop all their potential.
First of all, let us consider how we can nourish our brains. In order to function properly, our brain needs OXYGEN. Breathing, meditating and doing physical exercise promote brain oxygenation. Breathing exercises help us develop self control which is essential for our students. Being able to control one's impulses at a young age could play into later academic success and social skills.
Another important aspect to bear in mind is that our brain is made up mainly of WATER, so drinking a good amount of filtered water every single day is indispensable for a good brain functioning. Dehydration can seriously impair learning and affect concentration and memory.
DIET. The brain needs a balanced diet to obtain energy. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins must be present in our meals everyday. Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E which is good for brain cognitive functions as well as almonds which improve memory and lower cholesterol levels.
SLEEPING helps to reinforce what we learnt the previous day. What's more, having a nap inmediatley after learning a task seems to improve performance on the task. Lack of sleep can seriously affect cognitive functions.
EMOTIONS often involve memory and memories often involve emotions. POSITIVE EMOTIONS are better remembered than neutral events so it is essential for our students to associate any piece of learning with a "feeling good" emotion in order to have them stored in the long term memory.
CONTEXT is of a great importance to help the brain get the most optimal state for learning. The classroom should have elements that make the student feel safe and relaxed. Incorporating soft music, plants, and images can provide the appropriate atmosphere for learning.
All in all, these are some of the main facts I take into account when I teach. Taking advantage of the new discoveries in neuroscience can be of a great help if we want our students to achieve their full potential.
Have a nice week!
There's no doubt that there is a strong connection between emotions and the brain. A student who is relaxed and happy is better prepared for the learning process.
It is well known that when students are engaged and motivated their affective filter lowers to let information flow without any constraints.
The lymbic systen (temporal lobes, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus) gives emotion to the information coming in and those pieces of info which are associated with a positive emotion are stored in the long term memory.
To help our students to be successful learners it is really important to ....
1. Provide a positive atmosphere: Teachers should be able to promote a classroom atmosphere where the student feels safe and confident. It is important for the teacher to be friendly and loving, tell students her expectations and let them talk about their expectations too. When our students know what we expect from them their anxiety lowers and we set the appropriate atmosphere for a successful learning.
2. Make the information they are learning relevant. The lesson should be interestting and motivating. Teachers should ask their students what they are interested about and include their interests in the lesson plan. Students are engaged when they are taught what they want and need to learn.
3.Let them be more independent. When we give our students more independence they will naturally feel more motivated. When appropriate, create situations where students can control aspects of classroom learning so that they can practise freedom of choice and objective-setting with peers.
Another point to consider is that, instead of giving students the answers of everything, help them to make predictions. Give them the opportunity to think and reflect, prepare them to be "critical thinkers" The brain actually learns based on a system of predictions and feedback as neuroplasticity strengthens neural networks used to make correct predictions and it corrects memory networks used to make incorrect predictions. (This is why timely corrective feedback is important so those faulty circuits can be replaced with accurate information.) http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/radical-teaching/201005/want-children-pay-attention-make-their-brains-curious
All in all, emotions and the brain are intrinsically connected in all aspects of life, positive emotions will prepare the brain for a successful learning. Conversely, prolonged emotional distress can cripple our ability to learn. There are some tips that, we as teachers, should take into account to make the learning experience a memorable one. First of all, a postitive classroom atmosphere will make students feel safe and lower their anxiety, the information provided by the teacher should be relevant for them so try to include in the syllabus their interests and what they want to learn. Finally, helping them to be more independent learners will increase their motivation and incentive to learn, but most important of all, it will preare them for life.
