Should music in class be allowed?
Listening to music in class has its pros and cons. Some students say music makes them less aware of their surroundings. But listening to music during class is also a good stress reliever. Some students may need it to soothe them, or they use it because they need something to calm them down when they are upset.
Of course, music in class can distract other students. Teachers say students lose focus on their assignments.
Junior Ja’Cory Randall thinks listening to music during class should be allowed.
“Listening to music helps me tune in on my work,” said Randall. “Music puts me in a safe space and it helps me get my assignments done.”
“It bothers me that teachers and staff do not understand how important music is for a better learning experience. Teachers who do not allow headphones usually have louder classrooms than they would have if they allowed headphones.
Research on music in class is mixed.
When teachers play music in the classroom, A study from Edutopia found that “when music is included and embedded across the curriculum, it can promote positive impacts on learning.” One Harvard study says music may or may not be good for students, depending on the music they are listening too.
As for teachers who decide to play music in the classroom, though, Taylor has a strong opinion.
“Teachers should not be able to play music if students are not,” said Taylor. “Everyone has a different music taste, so a teacher playing calm relaxing music may cause students to fall asleep and others may get triggered by the calming effect. Everyone has their unique way of locking in or focusing.”
