EXPLORING STUDENTS' EXPERIENCES IN USING MAX GIESINGER'S SONGS TO IMPROVE THE LISTENING SKILLS OF LANGUAGE STUDENTS

Abstrak

This study aimed to explore the experiences of language students in using Max Giesinger's songs as a learning medium to improve their German listening skills. The research was motivated by the need for innovative pedagogical approaches in language education. Songs are considered a potential learning medium because they can create a pleasant learning atmosphere, increase motivation, and facilitate a more contextual understanding of intonation, rhythm, pronunciation, vocabulary, and language structures. Employing a qualitative approach with a case study method, this study collected data through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. The exploration focused on students' personal experiences, their learning motivation, the frequency of song utilization, and their perceptions of the medium's effectiveness in learning German listening skills. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key factors influencing the successful use of songs as a learning tool. The findings indicated that students generally perceived significant positive benefits from learning through songs. High learning motivation and prior positive experiences with similar media were found to shape students' perceptions of the song's effectiveness. This article makes a theoretical contribution to the development of music-based language learning theories by illustrating how the integration of musical elements can serve as an effective strategy for enhancing listening skills. Practically, it offers valuable insights for German language educators in designing more interactive and effective teaching methods. In conclusion, the use of songs in German language learning was shown to enhance not only the cognitive aspects of language acquisition but also the affective domain.