Using audiobooks for learning is not an effective means of educating for some people. Some folks tend to zone out when listening to an audiobook and it’s sometimes harder to go back and listen to the material again. With a regular book it’s easy to re-read a line two or more times to make sure that it sticks, but using an audiobook it takes time to ‘rewind’ and it can be difficult to find the exact spot folks are looking for.
However, there are TONS of wonderful things about audiobooks you’d be very crazy to miss. The great advantage of audiobooks is that you can listen to them while multi-tasking. Consider learning through audiobooks while doing dishes, driving your car, or eating your morning breakfast. It will change your life!
This blog article is a branch out to life-optimizing readers like yourself that were kind enough to do a little question and answer interview survey with me. I’m still working on my interview skills (and some of these were done via email/not-in-person!), but I do promise good, raw, and honest answers from normal people like you and me. I do my best to NOT filter these answers, except for the bad words and hateful speech (which doesn’t happen often).
Topic of Interest: Learning Through Audiobooks
‘R’ = Richard N. Stephenson (me!)
‘I’ = Interviewee (anonymous by request unless otherwise noted)
R: Give an example of learning through audiobooks (or another form of audio-based learning) that has inspired you (from either internet/mainstream media examples or personal examples).
I: Learning a language through audiobooks is extremely inspiring. It is amazing to think that someone can learn a language simply through auditory preparation and work. It makes me think of listening and learning while you sleep and hopefully that will become a reality someday. Learning a new language is a difficult process and if audio books make it easier that that is inspiring.
R: How do you think a better understanding of learning through audiobooks would help other people in their personal or professional life?
I: Some people have a learning curve that is easily breached by verbal communication. Audio books are can be a good source of knowledge, and a better tool for people who learn better by listening. Audio books are also a very convenient way to learn as they can be used in many different locations.
R: Give an example of how learning through audiobooks has helped you professionally or personally.
I: Learning through audiobooks has allowed me to delve into interesting things that I wouldn’t have time for otherwise. Audiobooks are wonderful for long commutes. I have learned about meditation, pet care, and finance management while driving to work.
R: Describe at least one way you think learning through audiobooks could cause trouble or hurt someone in their personal or professional life.
I: It is not always easy to multi-task and I believe research has even proven that it isn’t even possible at all. Taking a shortcut by trying to learn new material while driving and walking might sound like a great idea. But, a person might miss an important explanation or misunderstand a critical statement. That person could go on to make a mistake in their professional life by following what they thought they heard in the audiobook.
R: Give an example of how learning through audiobooks has hurt you or caused you trouble in the past.
I: I’ve used in audiobooks in the past, and while they have their advantages I find the cons often outweighing the pros. First of all, the text is usually narrated very slowly, much more slowly than I’d be able to read the material; this has resulted in me wasting my time. Also, I find that I sometimes zone out when I’m listening to an audiobook and I haven’t absorbed any of the information I just heard; another waste of time. If I’m using an audiobook, which is rare, I have to have the physical book in front of me to follow along or else it’s just a waste. Audiobooks might be right for certain people, I just don’t think I’m one of them.
R: How do you think learning through audiobooks could help you in a professional setting? Why is that?
I: Self-help books, with such as “how to sell yourself” or “how to get ahead” can help you succeed, possibly. However, if the audio books are being read in the professional setting, I think that they will be more of a liability than an effective learning tool. It is important to give all of your attention to a book you are reading — especially if you want to learn from it. Splitting attention between the book and whatever is happening in your professional environment will only lead to compromising the quality of both the learning and the environment. Additionally, most of these books have broad, general advice that I do not believe is really very helpful, except as a mantra to give yourself confidence.
R: Give an example of how learning through audiobooks could be useful at work. Why do you think this?
I: This could be useful because some people learn better while listening to someone rather than reading. Listening to stuff helps me personally to retain information and concentrate better. It can be useful as well to ensure that people are actually focusing on the information rather than being bored from reading
R: How do you think learning through audiobooks could help you at home? Why is that?
I: I would be able to learn Spanish if I had audiobooks. As a non-Spanish speaking resident of Florida I struggle to find a good job and communication. I need a better understanding of what is being said around me so I can be more aware.
R: Give an example of how learning through audiobooks could be useful at home or in family life. Why do you think this?
I: It can help you learn a new skill. You could do this while doing otherwise menial tasks. You could then possible use these new skills to earn more money.
R: How do you think learning through audiobooks could help you in a personal relationship? Why is that?
I: It could help me be more sensual with my girlfriend. Maybe teach me to say the correct things in the correct way. Or maybe just tips on being with women in general.
R: Give an example of how learning through audiobooks could be useful in a personal relationship. Why do you think this?
I: Well it may be easier for many to learn with an audiobook. It’s hard for many to focus while reading and the eye is usually tired. The transfer of ideas is always beneficial for our relationships in that knowledge is a mirror. It helps us perceive ourselves and the others and so we can communicate with each other and ourselves more efficiently.
R: Describe at least one thing you would like to learn more about learning through audiobooks.
I: Its been no secret that many people learn different languages from listening to audiotapes. In school growing up, students were present with two options for a second language: Spanish or French. Well, I always wanted to learn German, because my family had come over to the USA from Germany and Holland sometime in the 1930s. Through audiobooks, you can learn at your pace, make your own notes and committee it to memory in your own way. Not everyone has the free time to take a class to learn a language, and with tapes/cd’s such as Rosetta Stone, now you no longer need classes!
R: Give your number one piece of advice for someone looking to learn more about learning through audiobooks.
I: You can rewind. If you miss something because your thoughts were wandering, stop and start over the chapter. You should listen to the whole thing again just to be sure that you absorbed the information presented to you.
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How was that for a nice little journey into this topic? I hope you enjoyed this interview and found at least one useful bit of information you can immediately begin to apply in your life. Yes, homework is never seen as a nice word, but it’s useful – give yourself an action to use at least 1 thing from this article to help change your life.
Please share your thoughts, experiences, or your own interview answers and let’s share some real life wisdom, okay?