MUSIC ENHANCE VOCABULARY LEARNING RESEARCH

MARIA GUADALUPE GARCIA CASTAEDA

PONTIFICIA BOLIVARIANA UNIVERSITY

MONTERIA, SEPTEMBER 24th ,2005

INDEX

1. INTRODUCTION 2. BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW 3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 4. METHODOLOGY 5. RESULTS 6. BIBLIOGRAPHY

MUSIC ENHANCES VOCABULARY LEARNING

1. INTRODUCTION Nowadays, due to the process of globalization communicating in English has become a need in all fields: science, technology, culture, education, etc. For this reason, teaching in all fields of education, has increased, given that most of the information needed in different places and situations comes in this language. U.P.B in Monteria is aware of these processes, so that, it is interested to prepare its students and new professionals not only in their specific areas, but also in a target language. Furthermore, UPB teachers are also interested in improving English students level. That is why; my research was focused on vocabulary that is an essential issue to develop students` communication competence. Students` motivation is essential in the learning process. For this reason and because of my experience, I used songs to teach vocabulary. Besides, the idea of using songs in the classroom to facilitate the assimilation of new vocabulary is not a new concept because they create a pleasant atmosphere in the classroom due to the fact that students equate music with entertainment rather than work. There are many theories which support the use of music in the classroom to facilitate second language acquisition. Throughout this essay I used the works of Krashen and Thornbury to support my views: There are several features of Krashen`s theory of Language acquisition that are strongly relevant in the use of the music in language learning: the affective filter , the role of natural input in language acquisition and the Acquisition-learning. There are some other features in Thornbury`s theory that are also relevant in this job: importance of vocabulary teaching.

I based my research on the aforementioned information as it pertains to the group of students that I teach. I have a group of 26 students which is made up of both males and females at a university located in the North of Colombia. They were between the ages of 17 and 21 years old with different socio-economic backgrounds. I have observed, based on my experience, that some students are able to express their ideas orally or in written form in the target language while others encounter difficulties while attempting to do so, this is due to the lack of vocabulary. I have also noticed that the latter pupils lose their motivation and do not want to participate in class anymore. Another reason could be that teachers do not use the appropriate activities to build up vocabulary. I have talked to some of my colleagues here at university and in other places and they have explained to me that they use songs, most of the time, just for listening comprehension exercises such as filling in the gaps exercises. They do not take advantage of the comprehensible input that is found in songs to increase vocabulary. Based on my observations and the importance of building up vocabulary, I pose the following question: How can English teachers use songs to increase the learning of vocabulary of two students of third English level at a private university in the North of Colombia? There are some other reasons that I stated for the use of this topic:

The importance of a wide knowledge is integral to the acquisition of a target language because without vocabulary a person can not clearly communicate their thoughts to express their ideas. Without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed This is how the linguist David Wilkins summed up the importance of vocabulary learning. The results were of great interest to the academic community. This investigation was useful to teachers since they encounter these problems everyday and it will help them to improve the strategies, materials and tools they use. The challenge associated with attempts at motivating students to learn vocabulary through the use of materials which appeal to them.

How the use of authentic and effective speech, in songs, their topics and themes enable students to learn and practice vocabulary.

2. BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW Teaching vocabulary through the use of songs emerged as the main objective of a number of theories regarding second language acquisition. Some of them are going to be mentioned here:

Natalia Orlova has written about the different functions that songs can perform in language teaching:

1.Songs can effectively contribute to the aesthetic development of prospective teacher. 2.Songs can be used as incentive for speaking in class 3.Songs can motivate a positive emotional approach to language learning. 4. Songs can introduce students to the music and culture of particular interest to them.

Mariam Beckman.Ed. D. Has studied how Gardners theory of Multiple Intelligences extend and enhance student learning and she proposed some exercises for each one of the issues: listening, writing, speaking, reading and vocabulary. Kristen, Lems . stands out some reasons to use music in class and offers strategies to use songs inside the classroom. He describes how music can be used in the adult ESL classroom to create a learning environment, to build listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills to increase vocabulary and to expand cultural knowledge.

3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK A large amount of literature which discusses the value of using songs in ESL/ EFL classrooms is not empirically based. This does not happen in the study

of vocabulary because it has theoretical bases. However, based upon teachers experience, the first hand knowledge of what actually occurs in a language classroom is, in fact very valuable. My research will be based on two theories: A. Steven Krashen proposed the Affective Filter , the Input hypotheses and the Acquistion Learning hypothesis for using songs and provide insights into the benefits of songs in the classroom. AFFECTIVE FILTER HYPOTHESIS The affective filter hypothesis is one of five proposed hypotheses developed by this researcher. Basically, it is an explanation of how the affective factors relate to language learning. It is particularly appealing to teachers because it provides an explanation to why some learners learn and others not. Teachers have long recognized the need for students to have a positive attitude in regard to learning. Krashen (1982) explains that for optimal learning to occur the affective filter must be weak. A weak affective filter means that a positive attitude towards learning is present. If the affective filter is strong the learner will not seek language input, and in turn, not be open for language acquisition. The practical application of the Affective Filter Hypotheses is that teachers must provide a positive atmosphere conducive to language learning. Songs are one method for achieving a weak filter and promoting language learning. THE INPUT HYPOTHESES This theory is also important for my research because it states that the best methods are those that supply comprehensible input in low anxiety situations, containing messages that students really want to hear. These methods do not force early production in the second language but allow students to produce when they are ready recognizing that improvement comes from supplying communicative and comprehensible input, ant not from forcing and correcting production. This theory is related with how music enhances a good atmosphere in the classroom as well as the input that it is used with music activities. The Acquisition-Learning distinction is the most fundamental of all the hypotheses in Krashen's theory and the most widely known among linguists

and language practitioners. According to Krashen there are two independent systems of second language performance: 'the acquired system' and 'the learned system'. The 'acquired system' or 'acquisition' is the product of a subconscious process very similar to the process children undergo when they acquire their first language. It requires meaningful interaction in the target language - natural communication - in which speakers are concentrated not in the form of their utterances, but in the communicative act.

The 'learned system' or 'learning' is the product of formal instruction and it comprises a conscious process which results in conscious knowledge 'about'the language, for example knowledge of grammar rules. According to Krashen 'learning' is less important than 'acquisition'. The other theorist ( Thornbury) stands out the importance of teaching vocabulary as well as all the items related to this topic. He mentioned how David Wilkins, a linguist; summed at the importance of vocabulary learning. Without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed. His view is echoed in this advice to students from a recent coursebook (Dellar H and Hocking, innovations,LTP): if you spend most of your time studying grammar, your English will not improve very much. You will see most improvement if you learn more words and expressions. You can say very little with grammar, but you can say almost anything with words!. He also mentions that vocabulary teaching has not always been very responsive to such problems, and teachers have not fully recognized the tremendous communicative advantage in developing an extensive vocabulary. I can say that both theorists stand out topics that were be taken into account in my research: the importance of learning vocabulary and the importance of learning it through songs. 4. METHODOLOGY This research was carried out at a university locate in the north of Colombia. It is a catholic university. It is located 8 kms outside the city.. This university is made up of 12 schools. Law and Social studies is one of them and the Language Centre belongs to it. The Language Centre offers four basic and

two specific English levels to the students of this university. The basic levels are not compulsory while the specific ones are. Two third level English students were involved in this investigation. One of them is a male who is 19 years old, he belongs to the middle class. He is studying electronics. He was shy and he barely spoke in class. He only participated when he wanted to ask a question about vocabulary or when he did not understand instructions or explanations. The other student is a 19 year old female who began studying English when she was 6 years old. She belonged to the middle class. She studies Social Communication. She was a friendly girl, who was motivated, and liked to participate in class activities. They were selected because they come from different backgrounds and due to the fact, that their vocabulary performance in class was very different. It brought me again to the target question of the investigation: How can teachers improve vocabulary through songs?. In this action research, I applied a qualitative and quantitative methodology. Data was collected from pre-tests, a workshop, an oral chain story , an exam, a survey, in class observation and interviews. An oral pre-test was done before beginning the first and second activities to measure the amount of common and uncommon vocabulary students knew. The first workshop was based on a music video that students listened to and watched. They did some vocabulary activities as well as answering some questions to check the storys comprehension. By the end of the session they were asked to write a composition using vocabulary derived from the song. The purpose of this activity was to measure the use of vocabulary in written form. The second activity was also related to a song. After listening to it students answered some questions about the theme of the song in oral form. After that, they performed a role play in which they dramatized the story of the song. This oral chain story was audio taped. The aim of this activity was to measure the use of vocabulary in oral form. Third, a vocabulary exam was prepared to check the quantity of vocabulary students learn and how well they used it. All the activities were designed according to the theories chosen for this research. Fourthly, I interviewed the students selected for this research and their teachers. I also observed those students in my class and I used a survey to helped me ascertain the reasons why these students used vocabulary in the way they did. After collecting the data, I categorized the information and then I triangulated it to find out coincidences or patterns.

The triangulation consisted of two pre- tests, a composition, an oral chain story, an exam, some interviews and in class observation. 5. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two students were asked oral permission to participate in this research and they agreed to do it. During a period of two weeks, data were collected through two pre-tests a composition, a role play, an exam, interviews and in class observation. The names Ricardo and Maria were used instead of their real names. Coincidences and patterns were taken into account when analysing data. Special attention was paid to oral and written responses of the participants. 6. FINDINGS The two pre-tests were carried out orally before each of the listening to the song The main activities in order to ascertain the participants level of vocabulary. Pre-tests were made up of two lists of words taken from the songs and were written on the board and the students were asked to identify the words they knew and the words they did not know before. They were explained after the song was played. The data indicate that participants grasped the meaning of most of the known words but neither of them knew the unknown words. They argued that they have not seen those words before. These are the words that were used for each one of the activities.. VOCABULARY LIST ( FIRST ACTIVITY) Unknown vocabulary Nowhere Pretends Somewhere Whistle Embarrassed Paradise Crying Blisters Soles Feet Fit Lord Known vocabulary place lines there face hear man sleep see something can

Twice

VOCABULARY LIST (second activity) Lad Faith Fear Hid Dark Tale Wiser Sweet Lie Laughter Sadder Attitude Whom Beneath Rose Desserted Advice The data suggested that both students have a major command. of known vocabulary in comparison with unknown vocabulary as stated in figure 1 music father lesson lovely lemon eat tree but girl summer wrong fruit

FIGURE 1 In the first activity some unknown vocabulary, from the song, was given to the participants in order to write a composition. The underlined words are the ones students had to use in this activity. Below are the composition of the two participants. This is Maria`s composition:

When she was walking on the street, she earned a whistle and an accident happened. She was the sole survivor of the crash and her family was crying for this and the place was very destructive and because it never was a paradise and blisters. In Marias writing we can observe that she correctly used the words: street, crying, place, sole and embarrassed. The other words were misused. This was Ricardos composition: I live in Monteria in the street number 11. I `m on a special place. It is big and comfortable for me. It is a paradise, but one day I see the difference between the life and crying but the somber it was, I see the intelligence and the calm. The paradise can be sole, joyful and restful against the mysterious whistle I listened in the street, lonely in the long life. Ricardos composition showed that he used 4 words correctly: street, place, paradise, whistle. Some other words were used incorrectly or were not used in this activity.
Students' Performance After Doing the Exercises
100%

Percentage

80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

Use of uncommon Use of uncommon Vocabulary in context Vocabulary in context ( Written) (Oral) Accumulative Exam Ricardo M aria

Figure 2 After carrying out the first activity, the data suggested that the use of unknown vocabulary in a written context increased. The second activity carried out, was an oral chain story, in which participants had to use some unknown words from the song used in class. Students encountered more difficulties with the use of unknown words in oral context. They began to tell the story but they had to pause several times because they did not know how to add information to the story using the word provided by the teacher. Many words were provided by the teacher. They are underlined in the story. This is an example of how the used them: Ricardo: this is a sweet desert Maria: the lad liked it

Ricardo: but he has faith Maria: oh no, se como usar laughter Ricardo: yo tampoco , he said. Maria: and he walked towards God Ricardo: sorry, teacher no puedo hacer esto.(sadder) Maria: God was sadder than me Ricardo: sorry teacher this is very difficult I can not continue. Data indicate that participants appropriately used some of the unknown vocabulary when speaking. They encountered more difficulties with this activity due to their lack of vocabulary as they expressed in their interviews and during this activity. The third activity consisted of a cloze test in which students had to fill in the blanks with the appropriate words and an exercise in which students had to complete the sentences according to each one of the given definitions. These are Marias and Ricardos tests results. Evidence: Ricardos test Once an American girl lost her memory. She did not remember something(1) or anybody. She began to walk from one paradise(2) to another. She walked for hours and hours. At night, she was very tired. She was not wearing shoes. She got blisters(3) on the-----(4) of her feet. She was very sad and began soles(5). She had place(6) to sleep. Suddenly, a girl appeared. She felt a relief because the street was lonely and she was feeling fear(7). The young guy(8) saw the girl. He felt compassion. He asked the girl what had happened to her and the girl answered that she did not remember anything(8). He could realize that she was a beautiful girl and he tried to help her. She slept in his house. Next day, he told her that that she could stay there . He felt in faith(9) and married. But one day she deserted(10) this young guy. He was very sad and he remember his fathers advice(11). He said Do not put your faith (12)in love. He thought that his father was clever(13) than him and he promised not to believe in love anymore(14). He lost his loneliness(15) in love. Then, Ricardo had to complete some sentences according to given definitions. He could not do the exercise. Marias test Once an American girl lost her memory. She did not remember anything or anybody. She began to walk from one paradise to another. She walked for hours and hours. At night she was very tired. She was not wearing shoes. She got blisters on the soles of her feet. She was

very sad and began crying . She had somewhere to sleep. Suddenly a person appeared. She saw him walking on her. She felt a relief because the street was lonely and she was feeling fear. The young guy saw the girl. He felt compassion. He asked the girl what had happened to her. and the girl answered that she did not remember anything. He could realize that she was a beautiful girl and he tried to help her. She slept in his house. Next day, he told her that she could stay there. He felt in love and married. But, one day she deserted this young guy. He was very sad And he remember his fathers advice. He said Do not put your faith in love. He thought that his father was stupid than him. And he promised not to believe in love anymore. He lost his faith in love. Marias definitions were all correct. Maria made four mistakes while Ricardo made 12 mistakes. Data suggest that the vocabulary performance of Maris vocabulary increased more in this activity. The pre-test and the aforementioned activities indicate that Maria increased her vocabulary throughout this process. Ricardos performance was not as good as Maris performance. Ricardo said that he did not have a lot time to study and this was confirmed throughout the activities. These results were also possible because participants felt motivated with songs as they expressed in all their interviews. These are Marias and Ricardos interviews: Ricardos interview: Do you like music? yes, especially in English. What kind of music do you like? rock ( Nirvana) Do you think that you have learnt vocabulary through songs? Yes, I like theses activities a lot , more than presenting a written exam. I do not know how to explain, the ear helps to understands things better. Did you learn vocabulary through the activities we did in class? I think I learnt and it is a good method. I feel relax when you are listening to songs. It is more common to see music than readings. Marias interview Do you like music? yes, especially in Spanish What kind of music do you like?

 pop and vallenato Do you think that you have learnt vocabulary through songs? Yes, I like these activities I think they are fine. I think that it is good to listen to songs because you want to know the meaning of each word to understand the lyrics. Did you learn vocabulary through the activities we did in class? Of course, I learnt a lot. One can observe that the girl performed better than the boy as stated in figure 3.

FIGURE 3 Data tells me that the boys performance was lower because he did not have time to study English and this can be ascertained through his interview, in class observation, his survey and his performance.

CONCLUSIONS As a conclusion I can say that Mara increased her vocabulary performance through songs, they like these activities and they learnt through them as it is observed in the data

PEDAGOGICAL IMPLICATIONS I suggest the use of songs to aid with the teaching of vocabulary. According to the findings, I also suggest the use of written activities based on songs to teach vocabulary due to the fact that role plays based on songs stories need vocabulary , creativity and time. Teachers must be aware of the songs they choose. Songs must be chosen according to the students level, likes and the topics being taught.

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Domoney, L. & Harris, S (1993) justified and ancient: Pop music in EFL classrooms. ELT journal, 47.Forum, 34, 46-47. Gugliemino, L.M.(1986). The effective Edge:Usings songs and musis in ESL instruction.Adult Literacy and Basic Education, 10,19-26. Griffee.D.T(1992) Songs in action. Herforshire,England:Phoenix ELT. Krashen, S,D (1983) Principles and practices in second language acquisition. Oxford, England: Pergamon Press. Medina Susana.(2002) Using music to enhance Second Language acquisition: From theory to practice. Pearson Educational Publishing. Gardner, H.(1995) Reflection on multiple intelligences: Myths and Messages. Phi Delta Kappan.76:200-209. Gardner, H (1983) Frames of mind: Intelligences. New York: Basic Books, Inc. The Theory of Multiple

Kristen, Lems Using music in the adult classroom. Eric Digest. Kristen, Lems(1996). Music across the ESL curriculum. Paper presented at the second annual meeting of the theoretical framework. TESOL, Sn Fco, CA. Candis, Pat(2000) Enhancing vocabulary and language using multiple intelligences. Saint Xavier University, Illinois. Thornbury, Scott.(2002). Teach vocabulary.Longman.