Music and learning
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Music plays a vital role in my life, and its significance extends beyond mere enjoyment. As a Nigerian with a deep appreciation for Afrobeat, I find that music, regardless of genre, has a remarkable impact on learning and memory. Reflecting on my school days, I recall how music was used effectively as an educational tool, shaping my learning experiences in profound ways.
During my early years in kindergarten and primary school, music was not just an extracurricular activity but an essential part of the learning process. One particularly memorable incident was when our teacher introduced a song to help us memorize the thirty-six states of Nigeria and their capitals. This musical approach proved incredibly effective, as within days, my classmates and I were able to recite all the states and capitals effortlessly. The melody made the information stick, and even years later, I can still recall the song and the lesson it conveyed.
As I progressed to mid-primary school, music continued to enhance my learning experiences. In a Basic Science class, we were taught the parts of a leaf through a catchy song:
Apex (the tip) will lead you to the Midrib (the line between a leaf),
Move left and right and see the Veins (the lines running across the leaf),
Mistakenly touch the Blade (the edges),
Go down and put the Stalk (the stem) — these are the parts of a leaf.
This simple, rhythmic tune helped me and my peers remember the parts of a leaf with ease. The song's repetitive nature and engaging lyrics made the lesson memorable, illustrating how music can transform abstract or seemingly hard concepts into something tangible and easy to recall.
My secondary school years further demonstrated the power of music in learning. In Chemistry class, we were introduced to the first twenty elements of the periodic table through a song. This musical method made it easier to remember not only the names of the elements but also their mass numbers and atomic numbers. The song quickly became popular among students, including the juniors, who learned it with enthusiasm. This approach to learning not only reinforced our knowledge but also created a sense of camaraderie among students.
The consistent use of music as an educational tool throughout my schooling highlights its significant role in enhancing learning and memory. By transforming complex information into engaging, memorable songs, music made education both enjoyable and effective. These experiences underscore the value of incorporating music into teaching methods, proving that learning can be both fun and impactful.
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