In the education system, songs are used in many ways to teach students, especially children content. Songs can be melodic or just rhythmic chants. Like many other pedagogical methods, songs can also be used effectively in the EFL classroom. In this paper, I hope to show information (empirical and experience based) that supports the use of songs in the classroom as well as resources that can be accessed on the internet. I will conclude why I believe it is important to use songs in the classroom.

As I searched the internet for articles about songs in the EFL classroom, there were very few studies. The studies that I did find often did not have statistically significant results. Suzanne Medina (1993) discussed the use of music to increase incidental language acquisition. Incidental language is not acquired through teaching, but through experiencing and being exposed to the vocabulary. Music can be used to increase incidental language acquisition because it exposes students to more language as well as vocabulary that might not otherwise be heard.

In my experience, music is very useful in the classroom. It catches the attention of students and is another technique for teaching that adds variety. In my experience, songs make memorization easier, so memorizing the English language should be no different. As well, songs tend to stay in a person’s mind long after the class is finished. For example, I can still conjugate “ir” verbs in French because I can remember the song that I learned in high school. Younger students especially enjoy singing and don’t realize that they are actually learning.

The internet is a wonderful resource for songs to use in the classroom. This is particularly important for EFL teachers who could be teaching anywhere in the world. One site, http://www.forefrontpublishers.com/eslmusic/index.htm, has lists of songs that can be used in the classroom as well as lesson plans from real teachers about using the songs.

Another site, http://members.tripod.com/~ESL4Kids/songs.html, has a list of songs with lyrics to familiar tunes. These songs teach basic English phrases and words to students, almost as games.

These are just two of the many sites that can be found when searching the internet. Many sites have lesson ideas, new lyrics to familiar tunes or CD’s that can be purchased with songs that were explicitly written for ESL students (such as genkienglish.net).

I believe that it is important to use songs in the classroom, because songs are engaging and motivational for students. I also believe that songs can be used with all ages and levels of students. Younger and beginner students can use songs to learn basic English words and phrases. These songs are often written especially for ESL situations. Older or more advanced students can use songs from popular culture to focus on listening skills or for vocabulary. This makes their study of the English language more real-world for them and quite possibly more fun.

In conclusion, the benefit of songs in the EFL classroom has little empirical evidence, but through experience, I have found it to be effective. There are many internet resources to help teachers find ideas or specific songs to use in their classroom. It is important to use because it is motivating and engaging for students.

Sources:

Medina, S. (1993). The effect of music on second language vocabulary acquisition National Network for Early Language Learning 6(3).