Due to gossip between students, papers shuffling around, sniffles or creaking desks, the average high school classroom is never serene. As students attempt to tune out the noise by slipping an Airpod into their ear, they are often met with a scolding teacher, forcing them to work through the chaos.
The Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) does not have a policy that allows for students to listen to music through headphones during work times. This allows teachers to make rules in their own classrooms, often providing confusion for students who are granted access in some classes but not others. In order for the TUHSD to properly address the needs of their students, a policy should be created to support the addition of music during class work-times that provides clarity for students and teachers alike.
A 2015 survey conducted by Spotify concluded that music is commonly used by surgeons during operations. An award winning surgeon from San Francisco, Dr. Scott Mosser, plays tracks ranging from spa music to hip-hop in the operating room. Though not under as intense pressure, students can still benefit from using music during work times to experience similar advantages.
Music can not only increase productivity, but also cause the production of dopamine. Cleveland Clinic describes dopamine as a neurotransmitter that provokes the brain’s “reward system” which results in more positive mood, motivation and attention. During collaborative work times, a dopamine boost from music could benefit students greatly.
Also proven to aid memory and learning, the production of dopamine will improve the moods of students during work times. When stressed by other commitments, it can be difficult for students to get involved in learning while their mind is elsewhere. Dopamine wakes up different parts of the brain and can help students get refocused and ready to learn. By implementing a policy that allows students to listen to music, teachers could see improved enthusiasm towards learning.
According to a March Bark survey, 68 percent of students self-reported that music is helpful to their productivity, and 22 percent reported it was somewhat helpful. This proves that the majority of students feel they are benefiting from listening to music, and further emphasizes that TUHSD should support students with an opportunity to use music to their advantage.
Listening to music is typically denied by teachers because of speculation on personal devices and it being a possible distraction. To help control this, TUHSD could enforce that students may only put on their music and not touch their device afterwards. The policy could also only allow for music to be used through school provided computers and headphones, rather than personal devices.
Considering over two thirds of surveyed students believe music benefits productivity, this initiative would show stronger support to students. If there were to be an organized policy allowing music during work times, TUHSD could implement the use of music with proper clarity while effectively increasing academic performance.
