Have you ever pondered on the position of listening to a book as opposed to reading? Is it cheating to have it read to you and, if so, are any benefits to be garnered from audiobooks? Read on to find out.

It is generally accepted that, for most, actively reading will result in greater increases of reading vocabulary and comprehension than listening. Such was the case in a study completed by Daniel and Woody (2010) that showed students whom listened to class material in a Podcast performed worse than those that did it the old fashioned way. Therefore, it would be more beneficial to read your science book rather than have it read to you. This argument loses weight when moving towards reading for pleasure however…

But what of the student that struggles with decoding and, though possessing adequate listening comprehension, cannot move through written text smoothly enough for comprehension? Chang (2011) found that listening to text whilst reading was highly effective in improving students listening comprehension and vocabulary. Similarly, Estevez and Whitten (2011) found that use of audiobooks assisted struggling readers with their fluency. Also, in a 2013 study it was found that struggling readers skills and attitude towards reading improved with the use of audiobooks (Whittingham et. al). 

This is not surprising if we remember that reading consists of just two variables – decoding and listening comprehension. By listening to text it takes decoding out of the mix and demands only listening skill for full comprehension. I would add that a great benefit of audiobooks is that it allows a student to access a book of interest that might lie beyond their current reading level. It can be tough for some struggling adolescent readers to find the appropriate maturity themes in a text level they can decipher. Therefore, we can conclude that audiobooks can be of great utility for struggling or reluctant readers. Recently, Wagar (2016) concluded from his study that even adults with low reading skill and poor attitude towards reading can improve both areas through use of audiobooks!

But what of strong readers? The general benefits of audiobooks apply. These include elements such as convenience – one can move through a story on a commute or walking the dog. Also, through listening we are still enjoying a story or gaining information on a desired topic. New vocabulary, phrases and ways of articulating oneself can still be improved through listening. In addition, inflection alongside aspects such as sarcasm and humor is much more easily interpreted through listening rather than reading. For more benefits of audiobooks see click the link here and here.

Consider that listening is the most natural human means of gaining information. As psychology professor Daniel Willingham explains “Human beings have been sharing information orally for tens of thousands of years, while the printed word is a much more recent invention. When we’re reading, we’re using parts of the brain that evolved for other purposes, and we’re MacGyvering them so they can be applied to the cognitive task of reading”. We all enjoy a good story, and this sense can be heightened by the story being told to us in a masterful way!

I am not advocating the sole use of audiobooks over reading. Rather, I am illuminating the idea that they are a valid means of: 

1. improving reading skill, 
2. gaining knowledge, 
3. engaging deeply in a story and 
4. promoting interest in reading and literature. 

With the holidays almost upon us perhaps it is time to suggest that your son give it a try and, while your at it, perhaps consider listening to an audiobook yourself.

Click here for a list of websites that offer free audiobooks and here to be taken to the Christchurch City Libraries Overdrive page where thousands of audiobooks are available with a valid account.