Malaysian Teachers' Perspectives on Using Songs in English Language Teaching

Abstract

The employment of songs in an English classroom is not rare since it is the most invaluable tool to aid language acquisition, physical, and mental development. The objective of this research is to survey the perspectives of English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers (n= 60) in Malaysian state primary schools on using songs to teach English to young learners (YLs). Data collection is by means of questionnaires and the findings revealed that teachers have concrete conceptions on the teaching values of songs and its potency in teaching ESL to young children. Yet, the result depicted that teachers had difficulties in selecting songs and the recommendation is to provide them with interesting and enjoyable song materials for their classes. To conclude, songs can become useful sources to assist language learning and acquisition if teachers possess the strategies in using them.