Academics

The core objectives of Positive Records Music-Based Academic Instruction Programs (produced under the brand SchoolBook Jingles) are to enhance the recall and understanding of academic terms, facts and concepts, and to improve student performance on exams and assessments.  SchoolBook Jingles function as mnemonic devices that highlight and summarize classroom curriculum content.  They provide an entertaining scaffold that educators can use as a teaching tool.  Teachers can use the songs as a fun introduction to their normal oral lecture-based instruction, or they may utilize them to engage the student and to direct student attention to a particular subject matter.

Media is Important to Students

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study[i], there has been a huge increase in media use among young people.  The study reports that over the past five years, young people have increased the amount of time they spend consuming media from 6:21 to 7:38 hours per day.  Students now spend over 2½ hours listening to music and other audio via cell phone, iPod, IPAD or streamed through the computer through programs like iTunes and YouTube.  SchoolBook Jingles take advantage of the popularity of music among youth by utilizing songs to deliver academic instruction.

Complimenting Teaching Strategies

SchoolBook Jingles are not intended to be substitute for teacher-directed lessons and the use of state-approved textbooks and curriculums.  Rather, SchoolBook Jingles are intended to compliment existing curriculum materials and supplement pedagogic strategies by utilizing a culturally relevant communications channel.  SchoolBook Jingles can also provide additional opportunities for instruction and direct and indirect applied-use dialog that may support increased comprehension, enhanced self-efficacy (self-confidence), and improved outcome expectancy (attitudes).  Moreover, the songs are practical for use within the time constraints of a single class period.  Listening to academic songs may also provide a way for teachers to make homework more fun while also providing an opportunity to extend instruction beyond text-based materials and oral lectures.