Harnessing the Power of Music for Effective Learning in Africa
“Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.”- The late, great singer Aretha Franklin
Music has always been an integral part of human culture and society. It has the power to evoke emotions, memories, and feelings in people. In recent times, music has been recognized as an effective tool for learning, especially in developing countries like Africa. Music can be used to teach various subjects, including mathematics, science, and history. This has led to significant improvements in education in African countries, where access to quality education is limited.
The Magic of Music?
Music can be harnessed for effective learning in many ways. One of the most popular methods is through the use of songs. Songs are one of the oldest methods of passing messages, with their use traced back thousands of years.
Songs can be used to teach various subjects, including languages, mathematics, and science. For example, in Tanzania, a program called "Tuseme" uses music to teach Swahili and English to primary school children. The program has been successful in improving language skills among students.
Music can teach science. In Ghana, a program called "Science Set to Music" uses songs to teach science concepts to primary school children. The program has been successful in improving science literacy among students. The songs are catchy and easy to remember, which makes learning fun and engaging.
The use of rhythm and beats has also defined learning- and music
In Africa, traditional music is often characterized by complex rhythms and beats. These rhythms and beats can be used to teach mathematics. For example, in Cameroon, a program called "Math Rap" uses hip-hop beats to teach mathematics to primary school children and has been successful in improving math skills among students.
South Africa has greatly benefitted from "Singabantu", a program that uses songs to teach history to primary school children. The songs, based on historical events and figures, make learning fun and engaging. Subsequently, historical literacy has improved among the students under this program.
Thula Mama (hush, be quiet, don’t cry)
If there is one thing we know for sure is that music can arouse any emotion as it pleases.
Many run to music for its calming effects that relax the mind, body and spirit. It’s no surprise then that music has been incorporated into learning because of its ability to create a conducive learning environment. Music has a calming effect on students, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. This creates a relaxed atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Also, music makes learning fun and engaging, which helps to increase student motivation and interest in learning.
Better Have My Money!
The involvement of music in education has been seen to contribute to the cost-effectiveness of educational programs. In many African countries, access to quality education is limited due to financial constraints. Music-based learning programs (such as the several examples mentioned above) are often cheaper to implement than traditional teaching methods. This makes them an attractive option for schools with limited resources.
To The Punchline
Music has the power to transform education in Africa. It can be harnessed for effective learning in various subjects, including languages, mathematics, science, and history. Music-based learning programs are cost-effective and create a relaxed learning environment that is conducive to learning. They also make learning fun and engaging, which helps to increase student motivation and interest in learning. By harnessing the power of music, we can improve education in Africa and create a brighter future for the continent.
