Download Group Investigation Project: How does music facilitate learning

Learning and Music 1
Group Investigation Project: How
does music facilitate learning?
EDP 101A
Dr. Sherman
April 20, 2006
Group A:
Jennifer Neff
Brittany Cruickson
Brandon Niehaus
Matthew Reed
Ian Sobole
Jennifer Lowe
Learning and Music 2
Music has been a major role both inside and outside of the classroom for
many generations. When developing a central question our group was curious
about the relationship between music and learning. After reading Daniel Levitin’s
Your Brain on Music and relating it to Davis and Palladino’s text, there are
frequent overlaps between these two texts. We found this inspiring, thus pursuing
the question: “How does music facilitate learning?” In order to achieve a more
comprehensive answer to our question, we divided it into several subtopics. The
first subtopic that our group researched is how music helps with creativity in the
brain. Our second subtopic of choice is how music affects the mood of a learner.
Our third subtopic is the different genres of music and how these different genres
affected a learner’s ability in different ways. The fourth subtopic is how
background music influences elementary level learners. The fifth subtopic is how
music plays a role in memorization skills, especially with the younger
generations. The last subtopic our group chose to research is the study of higher
cognitive learning as age progresses. We thought that all of these subtopics
would help us lead to a clear answer to our question.
Beethoven said that “music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives,
thinks and invents.” This statement can be interpreted to say that music can
encourage creative thinking and increase work efficiency. I agree with this
statement because it can be applied to a college student’s life. When I sit down
to do homework or study for a length of time, I almost always turn on some
background music. The music not only helps me concentrate, but it also
prevents me from getting too stressed out and from feeling too over whelmed.
When working on something such as homework, it’s easy to get stressed
out about how much work there is to do. When music is added to the mix, it’s
easier to concentrate. If you apply this concept to a movie it makes sense.
Imagine your favorite scary movie, and then imagine the same movie with out
any music. Music draws you into the story, and actually makes you focus better
on the story line. Without a sound track, a movie as like a Christmas tree without
decorations. Music also helps a person cope with all the stress that comes with
a large amount of work. The music helps you take the homework or studying
one problem at a time instead of looking at it as one large problem that needs to
be accomplished. This concept can be related to driving in the car. Listening to
music on a long road trip helps pass the time, but it doesn’t impair your ability to
drive.
A teacher in my high school always played classical music quietly during
our tests because he believed it helped concentration. At first I thought it would
be distracting and break my focus. When I actually took the test I found that the
music helped me concentrate and it actually calmed me down. This surprised
me because I don’t like classical music, and I thought it would either annoy me or
cause me to loose focus.
Music has also proven to spark your imagination, and inspire the creative
part of your brain. Research done has proven that when relaxed a person’s brain
Learning and Music 3
can be more productive compared to when it is over whelmed. Music helps a
person to relax by calming them down and relieving stress.
Some music isn’t conducive to doing work. Music is defined by the
individual listening. Some people enjoy hardcore rock music while others call
that noise instead of music. Research done proves that ‘noise’ doesn’t help
learning, and instead is bad for comprehension and good work ethic. Some
people may react well to ‘scream music’ when working on homework, while
others find it as a distraction because they label it as ‘noise.’ This point also
brings about another point to support how music is beneficial in the learning
process. When some people are studying they prefer complete silence.
Complete silence is virtually impossible to achieve, so light background music
covers up noise that could possible be distracting. Imagine that you are studying
in your room and every ten minutes the air conditioning switches on. This is
‘noise’ that can be blocked out with light music.
Music can be a very helpful tool when you’re studying or doing
homework. Some people might find it distracting, but even more find it calming
and conducive to working.
Music has different effects on the mood of an individual, especially the learner.
The research of the effect of music on the learner has been around for a long
time; it is a very popular research subject. Nearly all teaching theories or
methods can be enhanced by the presence of music. Music brings creativity,
personal expression, personal reflection, and deep concentration, along with
association to the table. All of these things are very important in having a positive
learning experience.
Having music will help set the mood for learning. It can help “establish
positive learning states, create desired atmosphere, build a sense of anticipation,
energize learning activities, change brain waves states, focus concentration,
increase attention, improve memory, facilitate a multi-sensory learning
experience, release tension, enhance imagination, align groups, develop rapport,
provide inspiration and motivation, add an element of fun and accentuate themoriented units”(Brewer 1995). Background music is used to encourage personal
reflection by stimulating the internal processes, thus facilitating creativity. Studies
have been done with journal entries, and in one case a student wrote twice as
much as she did with music then she did without it. (Brewer 1995) If music that is
related to the topic and is played in the background while reading, it is easier to
remember the information because the mindset is focused on that subject in
more ways than one. Music is said to stabilize the mental, physical, and
emotional rhythms to develop a deep concentration when presented with large
amounts of content information. Bach has 50-80 beat per minute creates and
atmosphere of focus that lead student into a deep concentration in the alpha
brain wave state” (Brewer 1995). Where as Mozart music helps hold attention
during drowsy times of the day and helps the learner stay awake and alert when
working. This helps increase the attention levels, improve memory and expand
the thinking skills. (Brewer 1995)
Different mood are set with different types of music. You are more relaxed
with classical music; show music increases concentration. The Mozart effect
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strengthens the mind and enhances focus with energy. Where as loud grudge
music will cause anger and frustration, thus making it hard to concentrate and
retain information (McCraty et al). When used effectively, music increases the
alpha levels in the brain increasing the memory and recall ability. However,
research has shown that no matter what type of music you listen to, it improves
your mood, at least in college students. Whether is it classical, rock/pop, grunge,
hip-hop or rap, listening to the music makes a positive attitude, and those who
already have a positive attitude just enhanced the positive mood (DeNoon 2003).
The “music releases the mind and lowers stress levels that inhibit
learning.” “Music can act directly with the body" in the metabolism and heartbeat.
Certain types of music can trigger different emotions and the release of
endorphins, leading to faster learning. “Music is a stimulant.” Like stated
previously with Mozart, it helps keep the learner awake and increases the blood
flow to the brain. “Music is math.” Listening to certain music types helps the more
complex ideas seem easier. “Music inspires emotion” (Rhode Island).
One might expect that each different type of music might have its own
unique effect on our moods, our behaviors, and perhaps on how we learn and
develop. For example, one might think that louder music, such as rock & roll and
country would encumber an individual’s ability to concentrate, and therefore, to
learn. Conversely, we might expect more soothing music, such as classical or
jazz, to improve our mood and ability to absorb information around us. While
much of how music specifically affects the neural processes in the brain is left
unknown, specific studies have been conducted that attempt to uncover how
different genres and types of music affect us.
For example, easy-listening music might be a particular genre of music
that we might assume would assist in the learning process, as well as offer other
benefits. One particular study of interest was conducted by Davidson and Powell
on fifth grade science students. This study aimed to examine on-task
performance of these students over the course of 42 class sessions. Data were
collected every three minutes relating to the ability of the students to remain on
task. In addition, easy listening, as well as rock music, was playing in the
background in specific time intervals (15 minutes without music, followed by 15
minutes with easy-listening music, followed by 15 minutes with rock music). This
was done to compare the musical settings to a control setting without any music
playing. It was found that the easy-listening setting actually significantly
increased the on-task abilities of the fifth grade students over the no music
setting. The rock music setting slightly lowered the on-task performance of the
fifth graders as compared to the no music setting (Davidson & Powell, 1986).
Another more simplistic, yet interesting study looked at the effects of
different types of music on mood, tension, and mental clarity. Some of the
various genres of music explored included grunge rock, New Age, classical, and
country. This particular study involved 144 participants varying in age, race, and
cultural backgrounds. Essentially, the participants were asked to complete a
detailed psychological profile before and after listening to each genre of music for
15 minutes. Each participant completed the profile eight times for the four
different genres of music. With grunge rock music, significant increases were
Learning and Music 5
found in hostility, sadness, tension, and fatigue, and significant reductions were
observed in caring, relaxation, mental clarity, and vigor. However, with classical
music, nearly the complete opposite was observed. Particularly, there were
significant increases in relaxation, mental clarity, and vigor. The other two
genres of music, New Age and country, produced fairly mixed results. (McCraty,
Barrios-Choplin, Atkinson, & Tomasino, 1998). This study might suggest that
people who listen to classical music are more mentally alert and, as a result,
learn better, though this cannot be assumed conclusively. However, it would
certainly seem logical that someone whose mind is clear and alert would have a
higher aptitude to learn than someone whose mind was not.
However, due to the relative lack of information on the specifics of music
as it affects the neural processes in the brain, it remains difficult at best to
attempt to isolate a specific effect that each genre of music has on learning.
Adding to the complexity of all of this is the fact that the various categories of
music with which we’ve come up don’t tend to fit with everything we hear.
Definitions of musical genres aren’t very useful; we say, for example, that
something is heavy metal if it resembles heavy metal-a family resemblance
(Levitin, 2006). This implies that, for example, even if we knew that classical
music in general improved learning, it wouldn’t necessarily be true that every
composition that we may categorize as classical would improve learning.
The process of learning is not typically associated with listening to music.
Music is oftentimes thought of as something to listen to at the exact opposite time
at which one is trying to learn. The following portion of this paper is written in
order to examine said relationship.
Children are constantly developing, their brains are developing, their
bodies are developing; development, itself, is the most crucial part of being a
child. Music seems to both indicate and facilitate developmental learning during
childhood. Specifically, it seems to play a significant role as an indicator of
intellectual capacity when it comes to the early stages of learning to read. The
presence of music, in the background, even seems to enhance the learning
experience for some children who have special needs. Music seems to be
beneficial in more ways than one when it comes to learning as a child.
Recognizing a change in pitch is a significant part of appreciating music.
The contrast between two separate pitches is a pillar when it comes to an
auditory appreciation of music. A study has been conducted by Lamb that
examines the association between pitch awareness in children and their
respective reading abilities. Children were asked to weather the notes that they
heard were different or the same. Those who scored higher on the pitch
awareness tests seemed to score higher on the reading portion of the
experiment. This incorporation of musical pitch awareness, into a test that
indicates a child’s reading ability, is a skill that can be developed by listening to
music. The more familiar a child is with notes and different pitches, the more
proficient they will be when it comes to recognizing the difference between the
two. Therefore it seems beneficial for a child to at least be familiar with music, the
former evidence doesn’t indicate that a child can benefit from listening to music
while learning, but it certainly doesn’t refute the possibility.
Learning and Music 6
As Črnčec (2006) recounts, many different studies have been conducted
to examine the pros and cons of the presence of music while a child is trying to
learn. These studies have been both vast and indecisive. Črnčec (2006) notes
that many different conclusions can be reached by looking at individual studies;
however, when looking at the group as a whole, the only logical conclusion is that
there is not a strong correlation between background music and an enhanced
learning environment for children. With that in mind, Črnčec (2006), postulates
that background music plays a much more crucial role in soothing special needs
children’s minds in preparation for study.
Music seems to have a role in learning, but based on the research
conducted for this paper, I did not find sufficient proof that it background music
facilitates better learning in children. Levitin (2006) talks about how music
stimulates our brains in different ways, while Črnčec (2006) this is the exact
action that learning carries out. Črnčec (2006) also observes that as children with
special needs are calmed, oftentimes by background music, their brains are
ready for a much more proficient level of study.
In close, I feel like its necessary to note that it is my finding that music and
learning may not be so different after all. If the recognition of pitch change at an
early age indicates a higher reading level, and by mixing music and learning a
child’s brain seems to be receiving too much stimulation (with the exception of
special needs children). Then this seems to point towards the fact that learning to
appreciate music has a strong association with learning other things. In other
words, the same brain that is stimulated by music, quite oftentimes receives
similar stimulation from learning.
An important way that music facilitates learning is by helping with
memorization. This is especially true during childhood. When you put things you
learn into a song or learn it in song form it is easier to remember. Rhymes,
rhythms, chants, and other forms of music will improve the memory ability of
children. “When information is put to rhythm and rhyme these musical elements
will provide a hook for recall.” (Brewer 1995) For example, a song was used in
middle school to teach all of the students to learn all the states in the US. The
song basically just named off the states in alphabetical order but since there was
a melody to follow it made it easier. When taking the test the students would sing
the song in their heads and were able to remember them. This process has also
been used when memorizing the ABC’s during childhood.
This strategy works well because it makes the information being learned
less complex and almost automatic. Also, as a child most parents will teach their
children the address song which has a certain melody. It begins…”My name is
Jenna Neff and this is where I live…” The persons address will follow in the next
couple of lines. This was a good thing because many young children did not
know their addresses or phone numbers. Teachers are not the only ones who
need to use music to facilitate learning but parents need to use it as well. Kids
remember songs like these because it is fun for them to learn them. “A child who
is interested and attentive when learning a new skill is much more likely to retain
the information over time.”(Lazar 2007) A lot of children do not find the concept of
learning to be very fun when they are younger. Most children will just want to play
Learning and Music 7
instead of learn. By using music to help children learn, they are having fun and
getting smarter at the same time.
There are so many different concepts that can be learned through music.
Chants have been used to memorize grammar and spelling rules. An example of
this is “I before E except after C.” (Lazar, 2007) This saying rhymes which
makes the spelling rule easy to recall for children. Songs such as jingle bells can
help children learn how to count since Jingle bells is sung in counts of 3. This is
also true for other nursery rhymes and children’s songs. Also, a lot of children’s
books are written in song form. For example, There Was an Old Lady who
Swallowed a Fly by Pam Adams. (Lazar 2007)This book is meant to be read in
song. This makes children more interested in learning to read the book so they
can sing the words. Also, by singing the words in a certain melody it helps
children remember how certain words and syllables sound. Music can also help
with speech and learning to read.
Music can also enhance the memorization in students by giving them an
experience to remember. If a teacher reads students a book about slavery, then
playing music from this era would help the student remember what the teacher is
reading better then if the teacher was just reading the book out loud. The music
will set the mood for the student and will be easier for the student to recall.
(Brewer 1995) It will also help the student understand more how the slaves felt
through the tone of the song. Music helps students to better concentrate and
interpret what they are learning because it makes their experience more
memorable.
Music has become an important part of the educational system whether
listening to it while studying, aiding in memorization, to learning to play an
instrument. Music has become prevalent in college education as a liberal art.
There are programs in colleges that focus on the study of music theories and
history. Some of the goals of the music discipline are to advance the learning of
the music majors in six common areas music theory, ear-training/sight-singing,
keyboard/computer proficiency, history and literature, performance, and
advanced performance. Courses in music history focus on the evolution of
musical style, composers, and how periods of music reflect culture. These
courses explain the impact of music on society and how culture was incorporated
into music. Also it looks at historically musical geniuses like Mozart and
Beethoven and their musical masterpieces. Another aspect of college music
programs is music theory which focuses on the internal structure of musical
styles and the analysis of methodologies. Music theory is a higher degree of
understanding music. In these courses students learn the basic elements of
music notation, basic underlying concepts, advanced elements of music, the
history of notation, and the physics of scales. They also learn how to read and
write music and use musical terminology. Through studying music at a higher
level, students learn historically and technically about music.
Learning music at a higher level requires training and skill. Music in
college is not only about learning to play a musical instrument, it requires that a
student learns to identify musical structures and sounds, how to compose and
read musical notes, and understand techniques of creating music. In music
Learning and Music 8
programs, students undergo ear training which increases there ability to identify
melodies, notes, instruments, rhythms, intervals, chords, and other elements of
music. Ear training major goal is to differentiate pitch and timbres. Students are
required to gain the ability to recognize these elements of music when listening
and playing music. The study of music at a higher level enables students to
advance skills in developing music and gaining appreciation for the composition
and creativity of different music types. Learning music advances skills in reading
and writing music as well. Students gain knowledge on what rhythmus, intervals,
chords, instruments, notes, and melodies to use in creating and writing music.
Knowledge of music fundamentals gives students the ability to compose and
appreciate famous musical composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
Music at a higher level facilitates learning because students learning and
developing knowledge about the fundamentals of music. Much like learning to
read and write in early education, studying music at a higher level is comparable.
Students learn words for objects and musical forms and structures which is
similar to learning to write a language. It is similar to writing a language because
in writing and speaking a language you have to be able to use correct grammar
and use words just like writing music. In writing music you have to be able to
know what note or elements of music to use to get the desirable sound or
structure. Also reading music, students have to have the ability to identify notes
and the sounds they produce. This is much like reading a language and
associating words with meaning. Also like language, music is a form of
expression. Once students learn music elements, it enables students to express
themselves through their music. Studying music at a higher level is a learning
process through which students gain skill in hearing, writing, and reading.
After researching the question thoroughly we have come to the conclusion
that music enhances classroom skills in both positive learning skills and positive
outlook on learning. All ages can benefit from the presence and study of music
both inside and outside of the classroom. Music allows for creativity, personal
expression, reflection and concentration. It also helps with memorization and
cognitive learning. Overall, music is a stimulant that not only facilitates learning
but enhances one’s ability to learn regardless of their age.
Learning and Music 9
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New Horizons for Learning, Retrieved April 10, 2007.
<http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/arts/brewer.htm>.
Lazar, M. (2007). Benefits of Music for Children with Special Needs: Tips for
Parents
And Educators. United Cerebral Palsy: Health and Wellness, Retrieved
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DeNoon, Daniel J. 2003. Music Improves Mood. WebMD Medical News.
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Learning and Music 10
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