Popping to Tesco this morning to get some shopping I decided to make use of the wife’s car as it is newer than mine, lighter and easier to drive. Jumping into the car and starting the engine I was greeted by my wife’s selection of upbeat music, at notably loud volume. I decided to be kind and not mess with her stereo, instead choosing to listed to her musical selection albeit at a lower volume less likely to be audible from space.
As I drove to Tesco I found myself cheering up as I looked out on the blue sky in between the clouds. I even found myself rolling down the window. Something as simple as cheery upbeat music in the car had had the effect of changing my mood. So how could this simple change impact on well-being if it was part of your daily routine, music in the car or when doing the chores at home, music in the classroom or when marking, etc.
I have decided that before work begins once more on Monday I will create a playlist for my own car purposely selecting up beat music.
I wonder what the implications are for the use of music within the classroom in order to put students in the mood for learning. I know I have read in various books about the impact of music on mood, emotions and learning. I also have read various examples of how teachers are make use of this concept however like a lot of approaches which can have an impact they often disappear under the busy activities of the average school day until something brings them back to mind; For me my drive to Tesco in my wife’s car did just that.
Technology and Learning