Eric.ed.gov – Increasing Math Achievement through Use of Music.

This report describes a program for increasing math achievement through the use of musical interventions including repeated exposure to Mozart classical music and School House Rock, and introduction to teacher-made songs that introduce mathematical concepts in the music classroom. The students of the targeted second and fourth grade classes exhibited low levels of achievement according to local and national standards. Evidence for the existence of the problem included teacher- made pre-tests, parent questionnaires, and student questionnaires. Probable causes for low levels of student mathematical achievement were identified through a review of the literature and analysis of the setting and can be divided into student, home, school, teacher, and district influences. The following probable causes were cited: disabilities, classroom climate, motivation, problem behaviors, lack of homework support due to lack of math competency, home-based factors, lack of professional training and frequent staff turnover, and low contact time in the arts due to funding problems. The solution strategy involved a review of current educational literature with analysis of problem setting, resulting in exposure to music of Mozart, School House Rock, and teacher-made songs that prepared and motivated students while implementing mathematical concepts. Post intervention data indicated a significant increase in students’ mathematics achievement in the targeted skills for both second and fourth grades, including students with disabilities. Motivation and classroom climate were also noted. (Author)