Graduate Student Research Symposium 2026

This study investigates the effect of music on attention and performance in third-grade mathematics, addressing challenges of student focus. Given that young learners often exhibit short attention spans, the research explores whether incorporating music during independent online math work can enhance engagement and task completion. Utilizing the Mood-and-Arousal hypothesis and the “Mozart effect,” the study examines how background music influences cognitive function and emotional state. A six weeks study in a third-grade classroom with 20 students, data was collected through the i-Ready platform and surveys assessing focus with and without music. Preliminary findings suggest that music improves attention and reduces distractions, offering valuable insights for educators aiming to optimize instructional practices. If results support music as a catalyst for improving focus, it could be a simple and cost effective way to foster a more joyful and engaging learning environment, ultimately supporting student achievement in mathematics.