Trabajo De Curso

BASIS

Learning a second language can be a stressful and difficult process. There are many techniques and strategies that foreign language teachers use in their classrooms to aid in the acquisition of the second language. Creating an environment that has a low affective-filter, meaning minimal stress and non-threatening, is essential for second language learning to take place. In addition,second language learners need devices to engage them and allow for retention of the second language. Music is a common technique used by foreign language teachers because it has many benefits that apply to the foreign language classroom.
Music is a manifestation of culture and of the human need to communicate. Because it is inextricably associated with language, using music in foreign languageteaching is a good way of promoting speaking and of encouraging students to create mental fantasies.
Music has been used in classes in many ways and for different reasons, particularly because it creates a relaxed learning environment for students. Music stimulates images for the inner eye, even in students who claim to have no imagination. Music promotes conversation because listeners may interpretthe same piece of music differently. Music makes people act spontaneously, not only on a dance floor but also in a classroom. Music tends to reduce anxiety and inhibition in second language learners. Learning a new concept through a song or listening to music is less threatening than a lecture or worksheet. Music breaks down barriers and creates an environment that is friendly. There are differentways in which music can be incorporated into the classroom to produce this effect; for example group singing can lower the walls between people, decreases competitive instincts and build cooperation in its place. Music is a great motivator in that its lyrics are often very meaningful. Emotions and real-life situations are often at the core of music, this provides for a connection between the secondlanguage and the student’s perspective.
Songs are part of daily life for most people. Who doesn’t enjoy music at home, while travelling or studying, or even at work? Language teachers can use songs to open or close their lessons, to illustrate themes and topics, to add variety or a change of pace, present new vocabulary or recycle known language. But, how do songs actually benefit students?
Thevalue of songs in motivating students to learn English and enhancing learner involvement is widely acknowledged by ESL practitioners. Teachers and students alike find singing songs entertaining and relaxing. Songs offer a change from routine classroom activities. They are invaluable tools to develop students’ abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and can be used to teach avariety of language items such as sentence patterns, vocabulary, pronunciation, rhythm, adjectives, and adverbs. Learning English through songs also provides a nonthreatening atmosphere for students, who usually are tense when speaking in a formal classroom setting.
Vocabulary can be taught through song. Creating an input that is slightly above their current level will create a sense of curiosity andinspire motivation to learn what the new words mean. Using music in the language classroom also fosters participation. The students are often eager to learn the words to the new song and participate in classroom activity. Creativity and critical thinking in the foreign language is also achieved when song is implemented into second language instruction. More advanced students can interpret themeaning of the song or create their own stanza to the song.
Culture is a large part of the curriculum in a foreign language classroom. Not only are students learning how to form and create language, they are learning about the culture and people who use the language. Cultural awareness is important in any foreign language classroom. Teaching culture can be difficult because it is nearly impossible...