Using song as a means of reinforcement in teaching English to SMU students

The development of language as a means of communication plays an important role in every of human life. English is considered as the most important foreign language that is widely used by almost all people in the world. Monotonous procedures in language teaching often create boredom which can decrease the students’ motivation and interest in learning the language. Therefore, reinforcement is very much needed in the form of various kinds of techniques. This thesis deals with one of the techniques that can be used in reaching learning activity that is the use of songs as a means of reinforcement in teaching English. The idea of using songs as a means of reinforcement is under the consideration that songs affect the students’ feeling and create a warm pleasant atmosphere among them. Thus, it is hoped that the optimal and enjoyable situation will affect the students in learning the target language weel. Reinforcement is very important in teaching English. It is due to the fact that students will make a good progress through the reinforcement that they get from the teacher. Therefore, teachers also have an important role in providing the students with the right reinforcement. When successful reinforcement is provided, learning will be such an enjoyable experience for the students. Moreover, the variety in reinforcement is useful in order to maintain a high level of motivation and interest among them. In this case, the use of songs as a means of reinforcement can be used to change the atmosphere in the classroom from dull to lively. Besides that, the use of songs help the students to get inside the language they are studying. In choosing the songs teacher should pay attention to the students ‘ level and interest. The songs should be simple and have easy melody to be followed. The procedures in this thesis are not prescriptive. The teacher can adjust their own procedures which are suitable for them and the students