In classrooms across the U.S., students listen to music during class to help aid in concentration. However, with modern technology that is easy to hide, numerous schools are beginning to ban listening to music because they think it is a distraction from the class. But banning music can actually cause some students to focus less.
Although listening to music may pose a distraction for some students, it helps many others to focus better. At Carlsbad High School, it is up to the individual teachers to decide whether they will allow students to listen to music in class.
Based on various studies, listening to music during class can improve students’ moods and motivation. According to Healthline, “music doesn’t just motivate [students]. It can also help reduce stress and promote a more positive mindset.” Also, listening to calming music can give students a positive mindset during assessments that may improve their scores.
In addition, Music Gateway’s studies show that “music activates both the left and right sides of the brain at the same time – the activation of both hemispheres simultaneously can intensify learning abilities.” The stress-reducing benefits of listening to music during class make it a vital tool for students’ concentration and motivation. Because of this, schools and teachers should not be allowed to take away this vital tool from students because it can significantly aid their learning process.
Although studies show that listening to music while in class is not optimal for everyone, some students with disabilities found that music was a helpful aid in the classroom. The National Library of Medicine conducted a study in 2011 in which 41 boys, who were diagnosed with ADHD, listened to music during class. They found that music distracted some of the boys, but for others, it appeared to lead to better performance in the classroom.
Most importantly, listening to music is proven to immensely improve mental health. Studies from Taylor and Francis Online show that “music interventions had an overall significant effect on stress reduction in both physiological and psychological outcomes… larger effects were found on heart rate, blood pressure and hormone levels.”
Instead of schools trying to take away an important learning tool, teachers should take advantage of its positive aspects and use it to the student’s advantage. They could incorporate music in their classroom for all students to enjoy together or allow students to enjoy on their own.
However, if students use this tool in a disrespectful way, then they may be subject to losing their privileges. But taking away the tool for everyone and sacrificing some student’s academic and mental health is unfair to the majority.
Because of music, students are calmer and they will perform better, feel better and will achieve more academically. Music has the scientific ability to assist students in their academic journey and schools should not be able to take away a vital learning tool.
Schools should not be allowed to take away a learning tool that is proven to make a vital difference in some students’ learning. The positive effects that music causes are important to aiding students in the classroom and outside of the classroom as well.
