Just a quick one...
Today I had a conversation with another teacher whom I respect and they stated that they never have music on in the classroom. Partly because the SLT don't like it and partly because they just don't think it has a place in a Maths lesson.
It got me thinking. I really enjoy a little bit of music in the classroom. Granted I am a history and social studies teacher so maybe its a bit different, but I think it can enhance the learning environment.
Some ways I have used music myself:
- Have it on and turn it off to get attention - Years ago I attended an inset by a member of SLT in my old school. This was the one thing I took away from it that actually worked.
- For behaviour management - I've often said 'If I can't hear the music, then you're too loud' and on the whole it works. It gives the students something to gauge their volume against.
- As a reward - the kids can choose an (appropriate) station in return for some great work or action.
- To set the scene - I like to have on a bit of music from the period we are studying when students enter the room. (I enjoyed teaching the roaring '20s - not so sure they did...)
- To calm the classroom down - Classical music is great for this in my experience. The teenagers complain bitterly but I point out its my classroom and my choice and once they forget about it the chatting reduces and the concentration level goes up.
- Providing new experiences - There's something to be said for introducing new types of music to young people that they generally wouldn't be exposed to in everyday life.
- For enjoyment - Plain and simple, its nice to have a hum along with a good tune. It can motivate even me!
All this being said, we do have to be mindful of the cohort in front of us at any one time. I have had some students say they can't concentrate with any music in the background. Those young people with sensory difficulties should be taken into account and this always comes first.
But on the whole I like it.
