Some parents or educators of young students may dismiss audiobooks as ‘cheating’, but there is plenty of research and studies that highlight the benefits of audiobooks beyond entertainment.
I have already discussed the pros and cons of audiobooks in detail.
This article highlights how audiobooks aid in the development of key literacy skills among students, especially those with learning difficulties including dyslexia, ADHD or other learning disabilities.
7 Benefits of Audiobooks for Students
Here are the 7 benefits of audiobooks that give students plenty of reasons to get started with audiobooks
1. Audiobooks build and enhance vital literacy skills
According to a study by the Audio Publisher Association, “Audiobooks build and enhance vital literacy skills such as fluency, vocabulary, language acquisition, pronunciation, phonemic awareness, and comprehension – skills that often boost reading scores”.
The study further found that audiobooks develop critical thinking and active listening skills integral to the common core academic standards.
According to Mary Beth Crosby Carroll, a reading specialist at The Children’s School in Brooklyn, NY, listening alone can help expand vocabulary, whereas listening while tracking text can enhance word-recognition ability.
2. Audiobooks are beneficial for second-language learners
If you are learning a new language, it is helpful to listen to the pronunciation of a native speaker.
According to a study by Sage Journal, you can train your ears to notice the accent and tonality. It is also easier to imitate a speaker than written words.
A research by the National Literacy Trust found that audiobooks can improve comprehension skills and introduce new words in context for second language learners and reluctant readers.
This is useful for enhancing both understanding and retention.
Many other studies found that audiobooks enhance language acquisition, fluency and pronunciation among second-language learners.
3. An ideal medium for students with learning disabilities
Several studies highlighted the immense benefits of audiobooks for students with learning disabilities.
According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, 1 in 5 Americans have dyslexia, representing 90% of all people with learning disabilities.
Audio is the ideal medium for dyslexia patients and visually impaired individuals to ‘read’ their favorite titles.
Dr.Joanna Marttila Pierson, a speech-language pathologist, points out that dyslexics have average to above-average receptive language skills.
If dyslexic students can listen to more books that interest them, they will be more likely to continue to engage in reading for pleasure.
The audio format makes books accessible for students with learning disabilities, including those who have trouble sitting still, visual weakness, attention span issues, hyperactivity, ADHD, or dyslexia.
4. Benefits for brain
There are plenty of studies and research that highlight the benefits and positive impact of audiobooks on the human brain.
Here are some of the interesting findings.
- Cognitive Simulation: Discover Magazine scanned the brains of nine participants while they read and listened. The brain scans and data analysis showed that the stories stimulated the same cognitive and emotional areas, regardless of the medium (printed books or audiobooks). This answers a common question about audiobooks, are audiobooks as good as reading?
- Audiobooks help our brains better imagine the story: A study by the Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behaviours found that our brains are more likely to create meaningful imagery when we listen to a story as opposed to reading. Listening allows our brain’s visual process to kick into gear. This is why so many younger children love it when someone reads to them.
- Audiobooks spark more emotional responses than films/ TV: According to a study by University College London, participants showed a more intense physiological and emotional reaction after listening to audiobooks, than watching TV or films.
- Mental benefits and emotional well-being: Research by the National Literacy Trust found that engagement with audiobooks can benefit children’s reading skills and enjoyment as well as their mental well-being and emotional intelligence.
Audiobooks promote brain health by providing a mentally stimulating experience and help maintain cognitive abilities.
5. Audiobooks help develop vocal skills
Research by the National Literacy Trust found that listening to audiobooks improves student’s vocal skills by teaching them the importance of pauses, rhythm, and intonation.
It helps with sentence construction skills and teaches the correct pronunciation of words or names.
For example, kids got a better idea of how to pronounce names like ‘Hermione’ when listening to Harry Potter.
6. Multitasking improves time management
Multitasking is a key benefit of the audiobook format. Listening to audiobooks during a walk or commute not only makes your time pleasant but also contributes to better time management.
The audiobooks keep your brain stimulated while doing things that are mentally taxing.
You can listen to audiobooks while doing repetitive and mindless things that do not require you to think including cleaning, washing dishes, gardening, doing laundry, cooking, etc.
Note: If a student is listening to an audiobook to retain information, a dedicated listening session is a better option where they can focus on the book's content
7. Get over the reading slumps
A reading slump is when students run out of motivation to read a book because they lose interest in reading.
Reading slumps can last for weeks when you simply do not have the energy to pick a book to read.
One recommended way to break a reading slump is to try the audiobook format.
Audiobooks require less focus and attention and have a ‘cool factor’ for the younger and tech enthusiast generation who are already used to consuming digital information.
By incorporating audiobooks in classrooms, I anticipate the students will enjoy learning and improve their listening skills, comprehension, and love for storytelling.
Several audiobook platforms offer free trials, and there are plenty of ways to get audiobooks at affordable prices. So, what is stopping you from trying the audiobook format?
Sohail Ahmed
I love Audiobooks and this blog features my first-hand experience with all major audiobook apps and services … Know More