A Noteworthy Study: Music in the Spanish Classroom

Music can significantly impact student learning and academic performance in the language classroom. More specifically, music implementation in the secondary Spanish classroom can assist students in their learning and foster second language acquisition (Engh, 2013). For many students, learning a second language can be a difficult and stressful task. In this qualitative study, I aim to address the ways in which music helps students with SLA, in terms of retaining vocabulary and grammar concepts, lowering their stress levels, and increasing motivation. The study involves 24 participants from a Spanish I classroom in a suburban school. In this study, academic performance refers to student progress as well as outcomes on formative assessments. Data was collected through field notes, surveys, and formative assessments. The findings of this study are pertinent to the field of education, since music enhances student learning and performance in the secondary Spanish classroom and could really impact the future of SLA.