Do you play music while your students work? Studies show that playing classical music while doing work can improve math scores (Onsia, 2016). Other benefits include:
-Creating a calming environment
-Increasing memory retention
-Calming anxiety
Playing music while studying for an exam can also help reduce stress, which therefore could lead to better retention and test scores. Standford researchers have also confirmed improved concentration and memory retention (Onsia, 2016).
It’s worth it to note that listening to music with lyrics can hurt a child’s study habits if they are using the part of the brain that uses language, such as reading and writing (USA Today). Therefore, try different types of music and see which genre works best (preferably instrumental music).
“A Bulgarian psychologist employed the method of playing Baroque era music, which plays at a tempo of 60 beats per minute, to help students learn foreign languages. After the 30-day course, the average retention rate per student was 92 percent. Even four years later, when students had not reviewed the material, most remembered the foreign language lesson” (Rudy Miller, Seattle Pi).
Often times, I play music with my children while they are working. When I used to teach in a classroom, I played music during writing and math. It definitely sets a calming mood for working and children enjoy it very much!
Playing classical music while studying or doing work can also help children with ADHD. It helps minimize distractions and music impacts chemistry in the brain (Tustin, 2020). It makes sense since playing classical music can have a calming effect on the body and mind.
So the next time your students are working, play some classical music everyone can enjoy!