ABSTRACT

This study investigates the use of music as a medium of instruction and its impact on children’s performance in learning areas within early childhood education in Bamenda Municipality, Cameroon. Music, as an instructional tool, has the potential to enhance cognitive, social, and emotional development in young children. It can make learning more engaging and memorable by integrating melodies, rhythms, and songs into various educational activities.

A mixed-method approach was used, combining quantitative assessments of children’s performance and qualitative interviews with teachers and caregivers. The study focused on evaluating how incorporating music into the curriculum affects children’s abilities in core learning areas, such as language development, numeracy, and social skills. It also explored the teachers’ and caregivers’ perspectives on the effectiveness of music-based instruction and any challenges faced in its implementation.

The results indicate that music significantly improves children’s performance in learning areas. Children exposed to music-based instruction demonstrated better language skills, including vocabulary and pronunciation, as well as improved numeracy skills, such as counting and pattern recognition. Music activities also fostered better social interactions and emotional regulation among children. Teachers and caregivers reported that music made lessons more enjoyable and engaging, which enhanced children’s motivation and learning outcomes. However, challenges such as a lack of resources and insufficient training for teachers were noted as barriers to fully utilizing music in instruction.

The study concludes that music is a valuable medium for enhancing children’s learning in early childhood education. It recommends integrating music more systematically into the curriculum and providing teachers with adequate training and resources to support music-based instruction. Utilizing music can enrich the educational experience and improve children’s performance across various learning areas in Bamenda Municipality.

Keywords: music as instruction, early childhood education, children’s performance, Bamenda, Cameroon, language development, numeracy skills, social skills.