Our
students have an engrained enticement to music. Many of the popular songs heard
on the radio and internet are recalled and reproduced in a casual way by them,
which suggests a propensity to learn by rote. Then why not present academic
information to music, through the integration of Arts and academics, to help
with memory and retention of information? This strategy will also be a fun way
of learning, which is one of the major educational philosophies – that learning
should be fun. Using music in teaching and learning does not require much
space, resources nor special talent or skill.
Research
also supports this strategy of integrating the Arts and academics. It is
suggested that music increases one’s Intelligence Quotient (IQ) level and
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) thus contributing to the argument that music and
the arts should be a vital part of a school’s curriculum. Action research using an experimental design was also conducted in
Trinidad. Statistical data showed that pupils who
were taught through the infusion of music and the Arts enjoyed greater success
as compared to a traditional teaching approach. Additional benefits to Music
education include discipline, self-esteem and academic enhancement.
These
English Language Arts jingles, with a focus on the Writing strand, are,
therefore, resources for teachers to use to support instructional strategies.
The jingles are a fun way to engage students while improving retention rate and
thus academic performance.
