http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT8T0wy2pMw
The Flocabulary website states the purpose of this program is to use "educational power of hip-hop music to foster literacy and promote academic success in the classroom and beyond. Through a range of multimedia products and live performance programs, we bring our concept of music and learning to students and teachers worldwide."
The creators of Flocabulary boast that by using SAT-level vocabulary in their lyrics, they are able to increase the interest of students, as well as improve their test scores. This video clip features inner-city students who actively use AAVE as a standard dialect while being interviewed and filmed. They seemed genuinely interesting in learning new material because it was presented in a fun, creative way. The students were also able to catch on quickly because this type of music was obviously relative to their own lifestyles.
I feel that this program would be a great way to incorporate learning with lifestyle. This has been something we as a class have discussed all semester. It would allow the students to be more comfortable and confident in their classroom. The use of Flocabulary (or similar methods of teaching) would let students know that it is okay - and even encouraged - to bring their personality and diversity into the classroom.
After watching this clip, I wonder if this particular technique is only motivating to urban students, or those who live in an area where rap and hip-hop define their culture. For example, would it be as effective if these lyrics were put to country or rock music? Does it depend on the region? What about their age? The statistics that Flocabulary advertises are impressive, but I would be very interested to see something like this firsthand!
For more information, visit http://www.flocabulary.com/.
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I really liked this idea. I wish I would have thought of it myself. I think that this whole idea is great. The students are learning very hard vocabulary and enjoying it. When most students even hear the word vocabulary they groan and look miserable. The students in the video were having fun and enjoying what they were learning.
ReplyDeleteAs for your question, I think that all students like hearing things in song form. At the begining of this video, the anchor mentioned School House Rock. I went to a private school and we watched these movies. I can still remember them to this day, which for me shows that they were effective. I think that if all vocabulary could be placed in a music form that was appropriate for the age group more students would graduate having a huge vocabulary stored in their brains. Cool article.
Interesting stuff!
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of one of Missy Elliot's lyrics: "Mama said we would be straight A kids if we did our homework, like we knew those songs." One thing that hip-hop calls attention to is the incredible learning capacity of of a student who has found a connection to the material.
You also raise an issue that Dr. Delpit, among others, has asserted is crucial to remember: effective teaching is responsive to the students and their community. So it's not that hip hop is an inherently effective teaching tool, it's tapping into students' interests that is effective.
I would also love to see this in action! You should write to these guys and see if they'll come to EBR!
I was skeptical at first, but after watching the video I thought it was really a great idea. I definitely think it would depend upon the region, but I also agree with Katelin that any type of lyrical approach to learning or visual approach to learning is usually effective. Putting things to a melody helps students memorize information. I think this method not only helps them memorize but understand the meanings of the different words. It puts the words in the context of a sentence, allowing students to get the meaning of the word and the context the word can be used in. And I think Laura's right, the kids in EBR would probably love this.
ReplyDeleteI think that this approach definitely fits what we have been discussing in our classroom. I think it is important to find ways to connect with their home life and interests. I found it interesting when the student said he doesn’t get bored with this program. This shows the connections that these students are making with the program and the style of teaching that they are receiving.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kelsey’s questions about whether different music would achieve the same affect, I think it would have the same affect. I think that anything that connects students to what they are passionate about or are already familiar with will bridge the gap. Many of the rock and country songs already tend to use a form of Standard English with a few slight changes. Teachers could pick the songs that use these forms of writing to help with learning of Standard English.
Does this program really lead to comprehension of words and the ideas expressed? Are the students just memorizing the lyrics to the songs? What other lessons or techniques could be based off of this approach?
Scott, you ask a great question: does this really lead to comprehension? I don't think we can answer it based on a video clip, and it's a question that good teachers ask themselves constantly.
ReplyDeleteIf you were a teacher who used this program, what evidence would you be looking for to determine how effectively this program helps students expand their working vocabulary?