The role of music in the auditory perceptual development of children from birth to ten years of age - a psychopedagogical investigation

[摘要] English: This study concentrated on an important developmental fact, namely auditory perception. Through personal experience it became clear to the researcher that children have a problem understanding or interpreting information that has been heard. Not all children have hearing impairment problems, but because children don't listen accurately, they experience difficulty in communicating. Somehow children teach themselves to switch off' against environmental sounds. The problem is that children now have difficulty in understanding sounds and language, because they have never been taught to listen accurately. Therefore the importance of auditoryperception and the listening skill is investigated in this study. The main goals of this study were:�?to determine the importance of auditory perception and the role of music in the auditory developmental process; and�?to provide activities through which auditory perception can be developedor improved.There is a definite link between auditory perception and music. The researcher stresses the important role that music plays in the auditory perception process. Therefore music is used as a medium through which auditory perception can be improved and developed. In chapter 2 the researcher describes the hearing process, because that is the origin of hearing a sound. The inner, middle and outer ear (as the structure of the human ear), as well as sound are discussed.Chapter 3 deals with terminology, such as auditory acuity, auditory perception and auditory processing. Auditory perceptual problems are discussed, as well as the impact that auditory perceptual problems have on music experiences.To be able to help the child, teachers must be aware of the general development and abilities of a child of a certain age. In chapter 4 the researcher discusses the listening abilities, musical experiences and motor development of children from the prenatal stage to children, 10years of age.In order to help the child develop or improve his/her auditory perception,listening activities must be used on a regular basis. Through these activities the child becomes aware of sound and learns to discriminate between various sounds. The child's listening skill can be improved by using music activities and games. These listening activities are described in chapter 5.Listening, music and movement cannot be separated. When a child listens tomusic, it is natural for him/her to move rhythmically to the beat of the music, or to respond through bodily movement. In order to respond to the music, the child is forced to listen accurately. In chapter 6 movement as a bodily response to listening is the basic approach. Activities that involve music, listening and movement are discussed.In the concluding chapter the important role of the home in the auditory perceptual development process is discussed. Practical implementations are given and recommendations are made.The conclusion arrived at in this study is that music can play a very importantrole in the development of auditory perception. The importance of accurate listening is stipulated, and the crucial part played by the parents in the auditory process are proved.Recommendations made by the researcher, teachers and parents ought toencourage them to start make children conscious of sounds at a very early age. The sooner they start, the easier the task will be - to teach children to listen accurately. Auditory perceptual exercises should be done on a regular basis in the right conditions.

[发布机构] University of the Free State