Educator Hip Hops To Help Students

NEA Today, Feb 2006 by Cahoon, Cecil

South Carolina teacher Nikki Hunter turns social studies into a rapper's (and students') delight.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF HIP HOP artist Will Smith had a sideline seat at the Declaration of Independence's signing? Or if Kanye West recorded a soundtrack for the Industrial Revolution? Hunter, an elementary school teacher in Newberry, South Carolina, thought her students might be intrigued by her take on the answers.

She recorded an educational compact disc called "Hip Hop Hooks on American History," embracing the popular music genre. Her approach: make learning social studies fun by setting it to beats. Her songs on the CD include lessons on the three branches of government, the Industrial Revolution, expansion into the American West, and the civil rights movement. Call it School House Rock for the 21st century.

Two years ago, 87 percent of Hunter's class scored below grade level on the social studies portion of the state's standardized tests. She realized that while students loved hip hop music, they were less enchanted by social studies.

"I knew I had to do something," Hunter says. "I created it out of my own frustration. I figured if I could hook them on a catchy beat and chorus, I would be able to hook them on information as well."

Last year, she began testing songs with students while recording the CD after work. Even though it was only partially finished, 51 percent of her students scored at or above grade level during last year's standardized tests.

Now the CD is complete, and Hunter uses it in class. It's not meant as a substitute for other good teaching, but Hunter hopes the CD entices students to pay more attention to textbook readings, research, lectures, and discussions.

"It's definitely made a difference in my classroom," she says. "My students are now hooked on history."

-CECIL CAHOON

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