By I have been a fan of audiobooks because it helps me manage my time. I get to continue with any chores that do not need my intellectual abilities while listening to an audiobook.
Just as I like listening to an audiobook, I am sure you also find it easy and convenient but is that component enough to never return to reading? Should we quit reading? Since audiobook is available. I want us to take into account these 7 Factors: Contrasting Audiobook VS Reading.
Factor 1: What is the fastest method of consuming knowledge? Researchers discovered that reading is faster than listening to books. An average person can read and assimilate 250 – 300 words per minute and efficiently listen to 150 – 160 words per minute without assimilating. What is the essence of reading without assimilating?
Factor 2: Attention – Do you get distracted? Reading a book works along with the mind, and often times the mind gets distracted by thoughts, and it takes seconds and sometimes minutes to snap back to what you are reading. Meanwhile, this is not possible while listening to a book. It is difficult to recollect the particular point at which you zoned out because, most times, you will be taking a walk, doing chores, or driving a car while listening to the book. When reading a book, there are distractions not to talk of audiobooks.
Factor 3: Learning – What is the best way to learn? A 2010 study shows that students who read a lesson book performed better in a comprehension quiz than those who listened to the podcast of the same lesson. This can be compared to the difference between grades A to D. Learning is in two ways for every individual. Some people learn better by listening, while some learn by reading. Do you remember that course mate of yours that hardly comes to class, and when results are out, he or she takes the lead?
Factor 4: Comprehension – How well do you understand whatever you read? Dr. Willingham says that: 10- 15% of eye movements while reading are regressive. The eyes subconsciously recheck what you have read. At the same time, listeners get to gather a lot of information from speakers’ intonations.
Factor 5: Cost – Which is worth the cost? Audiobooks are more expensive than hardcover books or e-books. E-books are less expensive, and if you read a lot, you can use Kindle Unlimited.
Factor 6: Convenience – Which is more convenient? Audiobooks introduce multitasking as a skill. You can do other things alongside listening. If you want to do more than two things at the time of your reading, listen to audiobooks.
Factor 7: Brain Benefits – What is the difference? Reading a book activates the visual processing part of the brain, while listening activates the part of the brain which is responsible for language processing. Both reading and listening to a book aid learning, and learning is the main goal.
