Songs as EFL Teaching Tools

 SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

• Music and songs enhance vocabulary retention, listening skills, and phonological development.

• Songs create an engaging and stress-free learning environment, vital for language acquisition.

• The repetition and rhythm of music aid in practicing language structures and improving pronunciation.

New Insights from this Study:

• Songs significantly reduce anxiety and foster a positive attitude toward learning English as a foreign language (EFL).

• Music addresses diverse intelligences, particularly benefiting learners with linguistic and musical aptitudes.

• Songs serve dual purposes: as pedagogical tools for vocabulary and grammar and as cultural vehicles promoting intercultural understanding.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Curriculum Design:

• Integrate songs as warm-ups or fillers to sustain students' interest throughout lessons.

• Use rhythm-based activities to teach new vocabulary and grammatical structures.

• Select culturally relevant songs to enhance language learning and cultural awareness.

2. Instructional Strategies:

• Employ sing-alongs and movement-based activities to aid memory and pronunciation.

• Utilize music videos to combine visual and auditory learning modalities for better comprehension.

• Develop simple, adaptable lyrics tailored to students’ proficiency levels to reinforce key language concepts.

3. Learning Environment:

• Create a relaxed atmosphere by incorporating music to mitigate stress and encourage participation.

• Encourage collaborative group activities involving music to build socio-emotional skills.

• Use popular songs to connect learners with real-world language applications, enhancing motivation and engagement.

Reference:
Kumar, T., Akhter, S., Yunus, M. M., & Shamsy, A. (2022). Use of music and songs as pedagogical tools in teaching English as a foreign language contexts. Education Research International. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3384067

Cite/Refer this summary: Ross, E. M. and Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Songs as EFL Teaching Tools. Excellent Educator, 2(3), 4.