An innovative use of rhythm in a
music- based programme enabled school kids score significantly higher on math
tests than peers who received regular instruction.
“Academic Music” is a hands-on
curriculum that uses music notation, clapping, drumming and chanting to
introduce third-grade students to fractions. Co-designed by San Francisco State
University researchers, it addresses one of the most difficult and important
topics in the elementary math curriculum.
A fraction represents a part of a
whole or, more generally, any number of equal parts. A fraction describes how
many parts of a certain size there are, for example, one-half, five eighths,
three-quarters. “If students don’t understand fractions early on, they often
struggle with algebra and mathematical reasoning later in their schooling,”
said Susan Courey, assistant professor of special education at San Francisco,
the journal Educational Studies in Mathematics reported.
“We have designed a method that
uses gestures and symbols to help children understand parts of a whole and
learn the academic language of math,” added Courey, according to a university
statement.
“Lower-performing students might
find it hard to grasp the idea of fractions from a diagram or textbook, but
when you add music and multiple ways of learning, fractions become second
nature to them,” added Courey.
Courtesy: The Deccan Herald.
