Learning Enhancement Through Music Education

Includes bibliographical references (pages 46-48).Classroom motivation can affect how well a student reaches their full potential, especially those students with special needs. Teachers face the challenge of motivating their students to complete academic tasks, particularly tasks that are more challenging. One way to enhance classroom motivation is through the use of music. Research has shown that music engages both the right and left hemispheres simultaneously. Music can enhance classroom motivation and make learning easier while bringing the subject alive. An innovative music education program, The Circle of Education, was used in a special education class located in Costa Rica, with student's ages 8-13. The curriculum, which included songs and activities, met the academic goals of the students. This project explored the concept that children with special needs often lack classroom motivation, which can lead to underdeveloped academic skills. The implementation of this project was completed over a two week time period and positive transformations in motivation were seen within the classroom. The student's level of engagement, willingness to participate and a change in the classroom atmosphere was seen during the implementation of the new music education program