21 from listening to songs is that they can listen to a song while they are studying.
Many students state that they can learn something better through songs www.songsforteaching.comleevocab.htm, accessed on August 15 2006.
The explanation above indicates that song is a big contribution for the students’ learning development. Song is a kind of entertainment that becomes an
important source of knowledge for children. Through songs, students can learn a set of vocabularies and how to pronounce or read it correctly, so that they can use
it to communicate with others. To be able to enjoy the music, a student is encouraged to focus on the song itself, read the lyrics, and also comprehends it by
grasping and knowing the difficult words. Through this way, it can help them to develop their skills that can lead to the development of their own intelligences.
a. The Development of Song
A song is a common element in teaching the students. It enables the students to recognize and learn some vocabulary, improve their listening, reading
and speaking skills, as well as practice their pronunciation. Song is a part of musical intelligence in which musical intelligence is
included as one of the seven intelligences that are known by “Multiple Intelligences”. In theory of Multiple Intelligences, song is a part of music where 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. In
another definition, song is “the manifestation of the human spirit, similar to language” Kodaly, 1996: 131. Song is also defined as “the most natural form of
22 music” Robbia, 1955: 9. Based on the definitions, song here is defined as a piece
of work which involves learners in practicing the learners’ self-expression and it is perceived as positive challenges for students since it has become part of the
education. Through songs, the learners can learn something from the lyrics or the words appear in a song and they can learn in performing their skills. It may appear
that song can positively affect general academic achievement.
b. Song in Learning Environment
Songs can become an important part of any educational setting. They can reduce stress that commonly accompanies academic pressures, such as
examinations. Songs can also be used to spell the word by reading it in rhythm while accenting certain letters which are frequently missed or confused. In this
case the students’ ability in learning vocabulary will be improved. The language in song is rich and various. There are many kinds of words
that are contained in a song; both formal and informal language also can appear in a song. The students can meet any words that are rarely used or appear in daily
conversation. Through song, the students can learn to predict the meaning of the unfamiliar words. The students also can learn vocabulary better through the words
that appear in a song. It will be easier for the students to memorize the words that appear in a song.
Songs are also useful in learning a foreign language that consists of various intonations and stress patterns, like English. English requires the learners
to learn how and where to put the correct stress with the correct intonation. It can
23 be boring and difficult for the vocational high school students. The use of rhyme
encourages the students to explore the sounds of words, so they can learn how to pronounce it successfully. Therefore, song can be the most appropriate tool to
improve the students’ pronunciation in a pleasant way Gardner, 1983: 136.
c. Songs Selection
The main difficulty in applying songs in vocabulary teaching is in choosing the most suitable song among of those that are suitable. An English
teacher should be able to choose the most appropriate song with the learning objective. According to Irene S. Coromina’s point of view, an English teacher and
the author of an article in Forum, there are several things that the teacher should notice in choosing a song. Firstly, the lyrics should be easily discernible or
noticeable. Songs that are too fast-paced should be avoided. Secondly, each word must be pronounced clearly. Thirdly, the vocabularies must be varied and rich.
Fourthly, the song must carry some sort of message, at the very least the song must tell an interesting story. It is not good to choose the song that includes lyrics
that are discriminating e.g. mocking religious beliefs. The last criterion is the song should tell the students an interesting story so the students will pay attention
to it http:exchanges.state.govforumvolsvol31no3p27.htm, accessed on August 15 2006.
4. The Importance of Songs in Vocabulary Teaching
There are some advantages of the use of songs in vocabulary teaching
