Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2004

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Lee A. Plourde

Second Committee Member

Steven A. Schmitz

Third Committee Member

Don B. Woodcock

Abstract

The relationship of the Washington State Learning Assessment, (WASL) math scores between two 4th-grade classes in the greater Wenatchee area was compared. Class A listened to classical music before taking the test and Class B did not listen to music before taking the test. Any significant differences between their scores were evaluated . The average of each class's test scores was compared without any student's name listed. This study was a normal educational assessment being performed in a normal school setting and parental permission was not required for such activities. Review of the literature supports evidence that it's both reasonable and prudent that exposure to specific kinds of music before and during test taking can help engage the student's brain to recall material at a higher level of concentration. Hence, students should produce a more desirable outcome on tests when incorporating music and brain-based learning strategies.

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