As a Special Education Director, it's crucial to stay abreast of research that can enhance the educational experiences of our students. One such study, "Exposure to a musically-enriched environment; Its relationship with executive functions, short-term memory and verbal IQ in primary school children," provides valuable insights that can be applied in our schools to potentially improve cognitive outcomes for students.
In this study, researchers investigated whether exposure to a musically-enriched environment (MEE) — such as listening to music at home, attending concerts, or singing while playing — is related to specific cognitive functions, including executive functions (EsF), short-term memory, and verbal IQ in primary school children. The results revealed a positive trend between a musically enriched environment and verbal intelligence, though no significant effects were observed on executive sub-functions or short-term memory.
Key Findings
- Exposure to a musically-enriched environment may positively influence verbal IQ.
- No significant relationship was found between a musically-enriched environment and executive functions (planning, working memory, inhibition) or short-term memory.
Implementing Findings in Practice
Based on these findings, here are some actionable steps that practitioners can take to leverage the benefits of a musically-enriched environment:
- Integrate Music into Daily Routines: Encourage teachers and parents to incorporate music into daily activities. This could be as simple as playing background music during classroom activities or at home during playtime.
- Host Music Events: Organize concerts or musical performances at school to provide students with opportunities to engage with music in a communal setting.
- Encourage Musical Activities: Promote activities such as singing, clapping, and rhythmic games, which can be easily integrated into classroom routines and help create a musically-enriched environment.
- Parental Involvement: Educate parents on the benefits of a musically-enriched environment and provide them with resources and suggestions on how to incorporate music into their home routines.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study presents promising results regarding verbal IQ, the lack of significant findings on executive functions and short-term memory suggests that further research is needed. Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into the relationship between musical environments and various cognitive functions. By doing so, we can better understand how to harness the power of music to support the cognitive development of our students.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Exposure to a musically-enriched environment; Its relationship with executive functions, short-term memory and verbal IQ in primary school children.
