Effects Of Background Music On Student Performance During Timed Math Fact Tests PDF Download

The effects of music on student achievement have been widely researched, but implementing rigorous programs can be expensive. Since schools are often operating on tight budgets, music programs may not be realistic additions, making low-cost options such as playing background music appealing. The purpose of this study is to answer the question: To what extent does background music affect student productivity in the elementary classroom? The researcher looked at the effects of live music and recorded music since all prior research looks at recorded background music only. Prior research found that background music has some effect on student productivity, but the field of research is still relatively unexplored. To add to the existing field of research, this convergent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted on 21 first-grade students from one classroom to examine how background music affected student productivity. Quantitative data was collected through student surveys and qualitative data was collected through coded observations of student behavior. Through the use of comparative analysis, common themes emerged and the results were compared to the current body of research. Results found that background music may help student productivity and that live music is marginally more successful at decreasing distractive behaviors, such as talking and touching, in comparison to recorded music. Key findings found that when students preferred a type of music, instances of off-task behavior decreased. This suggests that student productivity may increase when students are allowed to choose the music played in the background. Since student preference appears to have an effect, it is recommended that students be given headphones or earplugs when teachers play background music so they can either choose the music they like or work in relative silence. The study concluded that background music has at least a limited positive effect on student productivity. While it is compelling to think something as simple as background music may help student success, it is important to keep in mind that other factors may play a larger role. For example, teacher expertise or access to outside resources may have a greater effect on student success. Although further research is needed, it is exciting to know that background music appears to affect student productivity because it is something almost any teacher can do.