Research help please.

[WelshSara]

I hope you all don't mind me posting this request here.

I'm trying to gather as much information on the potential effects of music on behaviour and concentration levels in children with special educational needs.

I was wondering whether anyone here has looked into this at all, and if so, what your thoughts and experiences are.

Thanks.

I have done the LIstening Program with my son who has a neuro disability that affects all aspects of his development. IF you haven't looked at Advanced Brain Technologies take a look. Lots of science behind it. His teachers thought his sensitivity was reduced while he was doing the programme and his concentration improved. We will do the programme again in a few months. I think there is mounting evidence that baroque classical music is beneficial. ABT do a Sound health series of classical cds that have titles like Music for Learning etc that are really good too.

Just don't get caught up in the Mozart myth.

www.skepdic.com/mozart.html

Thanks ohmeohmy - that's fantastic. I'll take a look right now.
And thanks too maverick - I've been reading about the Mozart effect and feeling a little sceptical I must admitt.

I have to write a dissertation (am training to be a teacher at the mo) and I'm hoping to be able to conduct a study on music improving concentration levels with special needs pupils. There's quite a large unit in the school so I'm gathering as much evidence to support my request. Thanks very much both - that's a great start.

Have you looked at music therapy - there is quite a lot of research on that. Can't put my hands on it at the moment but it a well respected field and we have certainly seen positive results.

Thanks HairyMaclary - have added it to my list. This all helps!

Hello again

I've now got quite a good evidence based request for this research, and I wanted to run some other things by you all, if that's ok?

What do you all think about, as parents, people wanting to conduct research that involves your children? How would you feel if I requested that I could video-tape sessions for me to analyse for this study? Would you all want to be made aware of this study, permission asked etc?

To be specific, I don't intend to focus on any pupil in particular (ages 11-16), but will be taking account of all behaviour and tasks completed from the group, as a whole.

Opinions please

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