Do you know that headphones can be a game changer in classrooms?
A recent study revealed that students who listen to music while studying will likely have higher GPAs. Sounds fun, right?
So let’s explore other ways headphones play a role in education settings!
How Headphones Improve Education
They Improve Concentration
Headphones can be a secret weapon for better focus. According to research, listening to neutral sounds, such as white noise, through headphones can improve concentration levels.
This is especially true when someone is studying in a noisy environment, like a house full of guests or a bustling campus. By wearing headphones, they can create a personalized sound environment that helps shut out distracting background noise.
So if you’re an educator, consider ordering bulk headphones for your students so they can study at any time they want without worrying about distractions.
They Facilitate Individual Learning
Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and headphones can be a critical tool in personalizing education. That’s because around 30% of all students learn better when they listen to information rather than read it from textbooks.
This is where headphones come in, as they allow auditory learners to listen to recorded lectures or educational podcasts for a better learning experience.
They Make Listening To The Teacher Easier
It’s easy to imagine how many words can get lost in the commotion of a noisy classroom. But headphones can allow students to hear their teachers more clearly. They can focus on the teacher’s voice, undisturbed by background noises or chatter from classmates.
They Aid In Special Education
The use of headphones extends beyond conventional classrooms, playing a significant role in special education. Research suggests that noise-cancellation headphones can be particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder.
That’s because many of these children experience auditory hypersensitivity, where everyday sounds feel overwhelmingly loud and distressing. Noise-cancellation headphones can help moderate these sounds, creating a more comfortable auditory environment.
This reduces sympathetic activation — the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response — and enables these children to focus better on the task at hand.
Headphones can also aid in auditory processing activities, speech therapy sessions, and more, facilitating a more inclusive and productive learning environment for all students.
They Help Students Learn Better
Another exciting aspect of headphones in education is their ability to help students learn better by listening to background music. Research shows that music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, enhancing learning and memory.
Music also helps reduce anxiety in students. And it activates the same reward centers in the brain as other enjoyable activities, which means it can make studying less like a chore and more like something fun.
They Improve Assessments
Assessments are an integral part of education. And there are a number of ways headphones can improve them, including:
- Noise isolation: Headphones with noise-canceling capabilities can block out external sounds and distractions, ensuring that the test taker can focus solely on the assessment. This helps prevent any unintended eavesdropping or interference from nearby conversations or noises.
- Audio privacy: In certain assessments, audio instructions or prompts may be provided to the test takers. By using headphones, the audio is directly transmitted to the individual wearing them, minimizing the chances of others hearing the content. This ensures confidentiality of the instructions and maintains fairness among test takers.
- Eliminating verbal cues: During in-person assessments, instructors or proctors may provide verbal cues or hints inadvertently while monitoring the students. Wearing headphones prevents such cues from being overheard, ensuring that all test takers have an equal opportunity to perform based solely on their own knowledge and abilities.
- Secure communication: In some cases, online assessments or remote proctoring may be conducted where a test taker needs to communicate with the examiner or proctor. Headphones with built-in microphones can facilitate clear and direct communication while maintaining confidentiality. This enables the test taker to ask questions or seek clarification without disturbing others.
FAQs
Which Is Best For Study — Headphones Or Earphones?
In an educational setting, the choice between headphones and earphones depends on comfort, sound quality, and portability. Headphones usually offer better sound and noise isolation, which is ideal for online classes or noisy environments. However, earphones are lighter and more portable, making them suitable for students on the move.
How Long Can You Wear Headphones?
While it might be tempting to use headphones for extended periods, it’s important to use them responsibly to protect your hearing health. A widely accepted rule of thumb is the “60/60 rule”. It suggests that you should listen to music or audio through headphones at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for 60 minutes a day.
What Do You Listen To Study?
Choosing to study while listening to music involves picking non-distracting genres. Minimalist, classical, and piano music, along with lo-fi beats, are popular choices. Their calming tones can improve focus and make study sessions more productive.
Final Words
Headphones are crucial in education, boosting concentration, catering to the auditory learning style, improving engagement, and securing assessments. Their role in enhancing learning experiences is clear, and as technology advances, we can expect even more benefits from their use in the educational landscape.