SLOW readers at Carinya Christian School have become part of a research project where music meets science.
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Learning a new instrument, the students reading abilities are being tracked as they progress as part of an ensemble by the Association of Independent Schools.
Year 6 student Ashlee Collins was two years behind in her reading, now she’s almost caught up with the class.
“It’s how to do two things at once, read the music and play too which helps me to read,” she said.
“My reading wasn’t very good, it’s starting to become a bit better.
“I picked saxophone, it looked challenging – we did a PAT [Progressive Achievement Testing] test where you read to see how you’re going.”
The two year project aims to address students with reading problems and engage teachers in education research.
Throughout the research the students will be subjected to progressive achievement testing in reading comprehension, in-depth reading and internal assessments and interviews at the start, middle and end.
Principal David Jones said there is some data already that suggests younger age groups can be successful in using music tuition to improve reading.
“But there’s not a lot of data on this age group, this is new research we’re getting into,” he said.
“The lower ability kids were all pretty excited with the thought of playing a new shiny instrument, but they all thought it was a bit strange to learn music to increase reading ability.
“When you have kids struggling to engage say they’re excited to play for their parents and school community, that’s exciting.”
The science comes back to auditory processing, how the brain works as it hears and interprets words and how music can stimulate the brain in ways that are linked to reading.
“It’s the idea of impulsivity, focusing and concentration, it taps in to that part of the brain for effective reading,” Mr Jones said.
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”Really it was an opportunity for us to consider out of the box ways of addressing students with reading problems and professionally an opportunity for us to consider what research looks like, network with a wide variety of other schools and contribute to a wider education environment.”
At the end a detailed paper will be written and presented to the University of Technology Sydney in 12 months.
On Wednesday September 26 the students will perform some of the pieces they have been learning for parents and friends.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
