Funk and Chunk: Can Music and Memorization Help Fluency Find its Groove?
Term
Spring 3-23-2015
Capstone
Thesis
Degree Name
MAESL
Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Andreas Schramm
Secondary Advisor/Reader One
Betsy Parrish
Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two
Laura Code
Abstract
Achieving oral fluency has been a persistent problem for second language learners. Perspectives and tools for developing fluency have changed over time, and the role of memorization of formulaic speech has been both used and avoided depending on pedagogical philosophy. Similarly, music has been used as a tool in the service of many educational objectives, including fluency and memory. This study examines the intersection of music, memorization and fluency in development and testing of a tool for ESL instruction. It examines to what extent music aids memorization and fluency for advanced adult ESL learners when memorizing formulaic speech, compared with a similar treatment using only poetry. Results from the study suggest music can be an effective aid for fluency when used in learning formulaic speech.
Keywords
Brain-based Learning, ESL/ ELLs, Music
Recommended Citation
Crocker, Kelly Glenn, "Funk and Chunk: Can Music and Memorization Help Fluency Find its Groove?" (2015). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 91.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/91