People who love books discover that reading can be a challenge. Consequently, most rely on audiobooks. But is listening to a book really the same as reading it? This article lists the benefits of audiobooks.

 

The differences between print books and audiobooks

When you are reading, it is easy to go back and find the point or analyze the material that may aid learning. Turning the page of a book also gives a brief pause that may create room for your brain to store the information you are absorbing. Another thing, you can underline or highlight something you hear that is important. These are easier to do while reading than while listening.

But audiobooks also have plus points. Persons have been sharing information verbally for years. Listeners, on the other hand, can derive information from speakers.

As mentioned by Reading Rockets, eye movement studies have shown that mature, proficient readers do not skip words, use context to process words, or bypass phonics in establishing word recognition. Reading requires letter-wise processing of print and the ability to match symbols with the speech sounds they represent.

This could be a problem with people have visual processing disorder or have inherent vision problems that cause reading difficulties.

Listen to audiobooks is best while driving and for leisure but not for work or study.

Here are the benefits of audiobooks:

  • Can listen to the latest bestseller while commuting or driving a car
  • Know how the book ends while cleaning up the house
  • Audiobooks give the opportunity to dive deeper into a topic of interest and have all your learning in one place. 
  • Science says listening to an audiobook is equally as good for your brain as reading.

 

Does listening to audiobooks count as reading?

The answer to that question would come from one's own definition of reading. If reading is understanding the content or theme of the story, then audiobooks certainly make it. Understanding the message, pondering about the content, using imagination, and making connections at the heart are the reasons why kids and adults learn to love books.

Audiobooks have used in schools by teachers of second-language learners, learning-disabled students, and struggling readers or nonreaders. In some cases, audiobooks have proven successful in helping these students to access literature and enjoy it.

Benefits of audiobooks for students:

  • Good informative reading
  • Teach interpretive listening
  • Highlight the humor in books
  • Introduce new genres that students might not consider
  • Introduce new vocabulary
  • Avoid unfamiliar dialects or accents
  • Provide a read-aloud model
  • Provide a bridge to important topics of discussion for parents and children who can listen together while commuting or on vacations
  • Recapture the essence of stories beautifully told by talented storytellers

 

Most people will find listening to well-narrated, quality literature to be an informative experience. Listening to audiobooks as teachers, parents, students, family members, and anyone else may find a convenient alternative to old-fashioned reading.