Use of music in teaching English as a foreign language
Of the many tools and resources available to both EFL or ESL teachers and foreign language students, music is one of the best, yet the most underused. Many texts and volumes of information are on the market to help both teachers and students in the process of applying the use of music in their classrooms and other language learning environments.
Seven important reasons to use music
Here are seven important reasons why using music in the EFL or ESL classroom is a great idea for EFL teachers and students of English or other foreign languages alike.
o Students like
Motivating foreign language students is a constant concern of teachers around the world, in a wide range of teaching and learning conditions and environments. One aspect that practically any language student, of any age or profile, likes is music. Students are often quick to talk about their favorite music and music artists like Atomic Kitten (pictured above).
o Teachers of English as a foreign language like
The EFL or ESL teacher has a preference for music just like his students. So whatever the teacher likes, he can pass on his enthusiasm to his language students.
o Music is usually free
A frequent problem in English and other foreign language classes is finances. Costs and budgets are a sore point in almost all school districts, language institutes, and teaching/learning situations. However, music is often freely available in many genres, regardless of where you live or teach.
o There is a wide variety of music available
A quick Internet search for “free music,” “music streams,” or “online radio stations” will return dozens, if not dozens, or even hundreds of websites where music can be easily purchased.
o Music positively affects the brain
Long-standing academic and intellectual studies have amply shown that music has a profound impact on and affects the brain. This effect can be positive or negative depending on its type. With astute guidance, you can be sure to use music to a positive effect on your students of English or other foreign languages.
o Music can enhance learning
If you are looking for a way to enhance your EFL students’ language acquisition experience, music is one aspect that is quick and easy to implement. Classical music such as works by Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi or Chopin and easy-listening music genres have been proven to enhance learning. Especially in the areas of language and mathematics.
o Music motivates and interests students
Ask your students what they do in their free time and one of their responses will probably include listening to their favorite type of music. If you want to quickly “live up” a late class session, you can use music to do it quickly.