Before I discuss his stuff, I'll go into the idea of incorporating music into math to improve understanding and retention. There is research to indicate that students who are exposed to songs with mathematical subject matter tend boost test scores, enhance understanding of larger concepts, improves classroom climate, and makes it fun. This is because when information is set to music, students find it easier to remember.
In addition, it has been found that the part of the brain that stores memories is also the same region that process both music and emotion so we can say that memories, music, and emotion are very closely linked in the brain. Furthermore, when mathematical formulas and concepts are set to music, our brains find it easier to remember the information. If you listen to students, they can belt out the lyrics for their favorite songs and I know from personal experience they will belt out the lyrics to math videos I've played.
Research also shows that if you add movement in the form of dances to the math songs, many students will remember even more because it makes it even more fun. So both the dance and music makes math so much more fun and on tests, students remember the songs so it makes them more relaxed and they are more likely to remember the concepts.
Although music itself doesn't teach students mathematics, it does help them remember and if it helps students gain a better foundation in elementary and middle school, they are going to do better in high school.
So if you want to integrate more music into your math lessons, how do you go about it? One of the first things you should do is to discuss the lyrics with your students so they understand the content. You don't have to go over every single word, just talk about it to help familiarize them with it. Once you've played the song, ask students some questions about the song to help them understand the content.
The gentleman I spoke with is Tim Griffin who has a website containing songs for math, science, history, and engineering/technology. He includes all the lyrics, the music, and notes including which standards are being met. Although many of these songs are designed for younger grades, they can easily be used with older students. There is a filter about halfway down the front page. Check it out.
Another site to check is Songs for Teaching which has links to so many songs covering topics like multiplication, geometry and advanced topics. Unfortunately, not all the links lead to free access. Some appear on CD's that have to be purchased or you can purchase the original song but many have samples and the lyrics so you can decide if it is for you.
The site I use most often is Youtube.com because it has so many math based songs. Number Rock is one channel with lots of different videos covering a variety of topics for a nice range of grades from elementary to high school. You'll find raps done by teachers, students, and math classes, along with some of the songs from people featured in Songs for Teaching. Just put in the topic + song and you'll usually get a nice list.
If you've never incorporated music into your classroom, check these sites out for inspiration. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.
No comments:
Post a Comment