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Through those principles, Nunan advises that in order to overcome the listening difficulties, teacher should give the appropriate material based on the
level of the students. The teacher can reduce the listening difficulties by considering the type of language used in the material, purpose of the listening and
the context in which listening takes place.
4. Theory of Learning through Song
a. Definition of Song
In the theory of Multiple Intelligences, song is a part of musical intelligence which is included as one of the seven intelligences. In that theory,
song is a part of music which is defined as “One of the oldest art forms, utilizing the human voice and body as natural instruments and means of self-expression”
Gardner, 1983: 133. Futonge 2005 also describes song as “a great language package that bundles culture, vocabulary, listening, grammar and a host of other
language skills in just a few rhymes. It can also form the basis for many lessons.” From their statements, it can be concluded that songs are the form of art that also
bring a lot of language skills. It means that songs can be used as the media to learn language.
There are a lot of benefits in using songs in a listening class. Orlova 2009 states, “Songs can motivate a positive emotional approach to language
learning.” Songs also draw students’ interest to the target language. Further,
Orlova mentions that while listening to songs, students begin to recognize the
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words and notice the pronunciation of native speakers. English songs also give relaxing atmosphere and motivating effect.
Orlova’s statement strengthens and completes Harmer’s 2001 statement which also concludes that, “A piece of song can change the atmosphere in a
classroom or prepare students for a new activity. It can amuse and entertain, and it can make a satisfactory connection between the world of leisure and the world of
learning” p. 242. Furthermore, according to Panse 2009, using songs or music, the learners can improve their listening skill. In their statements, it can be
considered that songs are important in language learning because songs bring positive effects not only for the students’ skill but also for the class condition.
b. Songs Selection
Songs are commonly used in the teaching and learning process, however, choosing the most suitable songs to be applied in class is quite difficult. In order
to overcome this problem, Lynch 2008 provides criteria of song selection. They are:
1 Use songs that are popular with the students. The students usually prefer to
listen to songs which are popular because it can catch their interest. 2
Songs must have clear and understandable lyrics. The clear lyrics will help the students to listen and to get the meaning of the songs easily.
