English as a second language or ESL is a multi billion dollar industry no matter what anyone may say about ‘education’ The methods used vary depending on the class size and administration.
Kaplan International Colleges, a leading provider of English courses, revealed that 86% of ESL teachers play music during class to enhance lessons and help students improve their understanding of the English language.
What sort of music? Well that’s where things get interesting. Bob Marley made the list at 5% of teachers using his music. I don’t want to say anything but ‘no woman no cry’ is not exactly proper grammar so why the hell would that be even a choice?
Elvis Presley got 4% , again not the king of diction that’s for sure. Michael Jackson? 6%, which gets all those students well versed in statements such as ‘heee heee’ and ‘chaka chaka’.
So who is number one? The Beatles, with an impressive 40%. Songs such as “Hey Jude” offer the ability to decipher ‘na na na na’, and “Hard Days Night” hips them to phrases such s ‘working like a dog’.
James McCartney, the only son of Paul McCartney, said: "What a great way to learn any language' by learning through music. Music is a universal language that can bridge the traditional language barrier, and the music of The Beatles has always been a bridge of love and communication. I think this is great."
Anything new? Well One Direction made the cut at 3%. No mention of any female artists which I found rather curious. Can you imagine Lady Gaga as classroom sound? I suppose The Beatles aren’t so bad after all.