Group members:
Nadila Agustina
Donnavia Fitriani
Shalshaleha Ramadani
The Power Of Music: Teacher Perception with Song-Based Vocabulary Learning for
Elementary School
Abstract
Introduction
Teaching young learners can be challenging because young learners have different
characteristics from older learners, as learners who are less than 12 years old (Fajarina, 2017),
are generally more energetic and enthusiastic than teenage and adult learners. Likewise, young
learners generally have a short attention spans, so they get bored quickly and lose interest after
about ten minutes unless the activity is interesting (Harmer, 2001). Overall, teaching English to
young learners can be challenging for teachers and thus teachers need creativity in teaching as
young learners get bored quickly.
English and Indonesian have differences in vocabulary, structure, pronunciation, and this
causes many learners in Indonesia to experience difficulties, especially in the vocabulary section
(Katemba, 2019). Also, (Wilkins, 2017) argues that “A sentence that has good grammar will not
be formed if there is no supporting vocabulary to convey what you want to convey, while
without grammar there is little that can be conveyed, without vocabulary there is nothing to
convey”. However, (Thorburry, 2002) adds that vocabulary learning is one of the important parts
of learning a language because the basis of language is vocabulary. To summarize, vocabulary is
one of the most important components in foreign language learning, and to be able to
communicate properly, language learners need to improve their vocabulary because vocabulary
is the key to communication.
The use of music and songs in English classes as an effective teaching method has been
recommended especially for elementary school students. As we know, songs have many benefits
for our lives. Songs can help relieve boredom and create an interesting and enjoyable atmosphere
for students who are studying in class (Ulate, 2008). Apart from that, teaching English using
songs is one of the best methods to make students more enthusiastic about learning. In a song,
there are various words so that students can learn new vocabulary. In fact, English songs for
students are usually easy and simple so that students who listen to them many times find it easy
to memorize new vocabulary. For the students, learning activities using songs is very interesting
and can improve their English skills.songs are not only an instrument but can be used as the
learning media to build the spirit of students when learning English. indirectly students will
follow when singing this can train speaking and listening skills.
According to (Shen, 2009) young learners will feel happy with the lesson when using
songs and this can increase their vocabulary. Similarly (Zamin et al., 2020) argue that the use of
songs in English classes can increase students' vocabulary. The use of songs as teaching aids is
highly recommended because according to Lo and Li songs can provide a relaxed and pleasant
atmosphere and help learners in improving their language skills (Lo & Li, 1998). It is concluded
that the use of songs as teaching aids has positive impacts such as a more pleasant learning
atmosphere and can improve students' vocabulary.
(Martin,2000) defines that perception emerge among teachers regarding the use of songs
in learning English for young learners. Teacher's perception of the application of songs is
divided into four sub-themes, namely the teacher's perception of the pedagogical value when
using songs, the teacher's perception of the attitude to the use of songs, the teacher's perception
of the thoughts on the application of songs, and the teacher's perception of the effectiveness of
the songs in teaching English to students.
From previous studies, there are some similarities that we will review, namely regarding
teacher perceptions of the use of songs as learning media. Besides, this study aims to explore the
perceptions and experiences of elementary school teachers in using songs as a vocabulary
enhancement tool. Therefore, this study will use a qualitative approach and collect data by
interview. The object of this research is two elementary school teachers who teach using song
media.
