Music in the College Classroom: Frivolous "Infotainment" or Legitimate Teaching Tool?

Greg Crowther, Chemical Engineering

• Session Handout

Music is often used as an educational tool, but the usual target audience is young children. Nevertheless, some experimental studies and anecdotal observations suggest that music can also be used to bolster older students’ interest in and understanding of academic material. In this session I will (1) review the possible mechanisms by which songs may enhance learning; (2) discuss practical strategies and resources for using music in and outside the classroom; (3) present preliminary assessment results from biology classes for biology and engineering majors; and (4) pose testable hypotheses about music-related teaching strategies. Live sing-along examples will be provided upon request.

Poster Session, 2:30-3:30 p.m.