A few weeks ago, during lunch with my 14-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, we found ourselves discussing Egyptian pharaohs. I shared the story of Hatshepsut, the ancient female pharaoh I learned about from the audiobook “When Women Ruled the World.” I explained how she ruled as king on behalf of her young stepson, not merely as queen regent. She even had grand statues made of herself depicted as a man, complete with a bare chest and the traditional pharaoh’s beard. Historians believe these masculine representations were intended to affirm her legitimacy to her subjects.
I kept telling my kids that I had read this book. I vividly remember looking at pages with printed words, but that’s not accurate—I never physically read it. I listened to the audiobook during a lengthy road trip last fall. Surprisingly, I probably recalled the details even better than if I had read them, yet I had created false memories of having read a physical book.
It’s common for me to mix up the formats when recalling books I’ve consumed. There have been times I’ve searched my bookshelf for a physical copy to lend a friend, only to realize I don’t own it because I listened to the audiobook. My brain doesn’t seem to differentiate between the two formats.
Insights from Dr. Emily Carter
Dr. Emily Carter, who teaches composition and literature at a university in Florida, mentions that many people are often shocked when she tells them she encourages her students to listen to audiobooks or use audio materials as part of their learning. “People outside the teaching realm can be really rigid about their views on education,” she explains. “They think we’re making it too easy.”
I’ve encountered this mindset too. For some, listening to a book seems less intellectually demanding than reading physical pages. I refer to these individuals as “visual reading purists.”
However, Dr. Carter reassures her students that listening to audiobooks is a valid form of reading. “Reading doesn’t solely mean paper,” she states. “For my students, who often juggle busy lives, audiobooks help them complete their reading assignments during commutes or while at work.” She also notes that many students struggle with reading comprehension or are primarily auditory learners. Listening to a book can enhance their understanding of tone and inflection through the narrator’s voice. “I often suggest that students listen to an audiobook or a YouTube reading of an assigned piece while following along with a print or digital version.”
Research Supporting Audiobooks
Dr. Carter’s approach is backed by research. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience revealed that our brains respond similarly to visual (reading) and auditory (listening) inputs. The Gallant Lab at UC Berkeley conducted an experiment where they scanned the brains of participants as they read and listened to stories from “The Moth Radio Hour.” The findings showed that brain responses were nearly identical, regardless of whether participants were reading or listening. The study concluded that the processing of language semantics is independent of the sensory modality used.
In essence, our brains extract meaning from words, regardless of the format, which explains why I often can’t remember whether I read or listened to a particular book. To my brain, it’s all the same. Dr. Carter’s observation that her students often benefit from auditory resources is also valid. She isn’t simplifying her lessons; she’s enhancing them and making them more accessible.
Conclusion
So, if reading isn’t your thing, but you enjoy podcasts or audiobooks, rest assured that your method of absorbing information is just as valid as any bookworm’s approach. In fact, it might even be a smarter way to learn! After all, when was the last time a visual reading purist managed to read a novel while navigating rush hour traffic?
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Summary
Audiobooks are just as effective for learning as traditional reading, as our brains process information similarly regardless of format. Educators like Dr. Emily Carter advocate for using audiobooks to enhance comprehension and accessibility for busy students. Research supports that listening and reading evoke similar brain responses, reinforcing the validity of both formats. Those who prefer audiobooks should feel confident in their choice, as it can be a more convenient way to absorb information.