The use of conventional method in teaching English language such as explaining and drilling are unattractive and
can be very dull to the students. Hence, this will inevitably affect and obstruct their spirit to learn the language. To
meet the demands of the challenging world in the era of globalization, the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC)
of Malaysia has revised the English language syllabus for primary and secondary schools in 2002.The rationale is
to help the students of different ability by allowing for mastery of structures and vocabulary. The new syllabus is
developed to depict the natural use of language in the real world so that students can use the language and perform
satisfactorily in both the professional and social aspect of their life.
One of the ways to achieve the mastery of English is by using songs. Song is a form of language that uses tones and
rhythm as it is also the media of universal language. Language and music are known to have similar
communicative modes; aurally and orally transmitted, containing phonetic, syntactic and semantic components;
develop early in life as social interactive media.
According to Peacock (1997), many writers share the same opinion that learners are more motivated and
stimulated in the foreign language classroom when authentic materials are used than the artificial non-authentic
materials. He further concludes that the authentic materials such as American pop song increased students’ level of
non-task behaviour. They display a high level of involvement and concentration in authentic materials more than
the artificial materials. Orlava (2003), state that there is a great connection between students’ motivation and
authentic materials. It is a very good way to expose the targeted language to the learners as well as facilitating their
learning.
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Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 271
Therefore, this research is an attempt to investigate the effectiveness of using songs to enhance students’
motivation in learning English in primary school students. In addition, it is also to examine whether songs can
create positive attitudes among students during a language lesson.