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Songs in the ClassroomSongs and chants are indispensable teaching tools. They provide learners with language models to imitate and give students the opportunity to improve pronunciation by vocalizing the language. Music also creates a fun and relaxed classroom atmosphere, making learning more enjoyable, interesting and motivating for students of all ages. Songs can be used in the english as a second language (ESL) or english as a foreign language (EFL) classroom to build all 4 of the key language skills; listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing as well as increase vocabulary and expand a student?s cultural knowledge. The following may all be improved through the use of songs: Grammar Letting students complete song scripts by filling in the gaps can help students to remember important grammatical structures. As many songs are made up of short sentences they can be used to reinforce grammar rules in beginner levels. Reading and Writing activities To improve reading skills students can listen to a song and then read the lyrics or try to read the lyrics at the same speed as the song. Students can also fill in the blanks either before, or after listening to a song, and then check to see whether their word choices made sense semantically, even if they did not pick the exact word used, it helps build the important skill of forming/completing sentences based on context . Vocabulary Some Pop songs are written to be easily understood and enjoyed and tend to use high frequency lyrics that have emotional content which can help for word study and expanding a student?s vocabulary or for reinforcing words already learned through written means. Cultural Knowledge Songs can also be used in discussions of culture and lessons based on ethics, customs, history, humour, and regional and cultural differences. Advantages and disadvantages of using songs in the classroom. When using songs in a classroom to teach english it is always important to note that there are advantages but also disadvantages to be considered when using and selecting the songs. Some of the advantages of teaching using songs are: ? Students can practice their english ? Improves pronunciation with repetition of vocabulary. ? Improves enunciation as lyrics are often sung at a slower rate than words spoken. ? Improves grammar with repetition of structures. ? Increases motivation ? It is an enjoyable activity ? Songs may be used as a springboard to discussions and role-plays, etc ? Use of musical intelligence to enforce learning. ? Humanistic approach to learning languages Some of the disadvantages in using songs to teach english include: ? Defective english & use of slang in poorly selected songs. ? Incorrect or non-standard grammar ? Use of Idioms students may not understand or may be above their level. ? Not all songs are suitable for teaching english. ? Students may think that it is not a serious method of learning. Selecting Songs for the ESL/EFL classroom ? Songs should be carefully selected for the ESL/EFL classroom bearing in mind that many students prefer authentic foreign language songs to the songs created especially for foreign language classes. Lems (1996), and Poppleton (2001), make the following suggestions: ? The song?s lyrics should be clear and loud, not submerged in the instrumental or background music. ? The vocabulary load for the song should be appropriate to the proficiency level of the students. ? You should be aware of the pace of the song as well as obscure references and lack of repetition, as this could prove troublesome for many students. ? Songs should be pre-screened for potentially problematic content, such as explicit language, references to violent acts or sex, or inappropriate religious allusions. Griffee (1990) also suggests: ? Using short, slow songs for beginning-level students ? Using activities such as creating song word puzzles, drawing a song, or showing related pictures. Using songs that tell stories ? Starting with short, fast songs and building up to longer, fast songs that have fewer high frequency vocabulary items. Bibliography: http://www.laits.utexas.edu http://www.gogolovesenglish.com http://www.esp-world.info http://www.ericdigests.org/2002-3/music.htm http://mste.Illinois.edu
