6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Auditory Learning

People have different ways in taking in information and assimilating it and can be narrowed down into four styles: read/write, kinesthetic, visual and auditory. In this particular discussion, we will talk about the last one. The auditory learning style is the kind of learning in which a learner absorbs information much better by way of hearing. With this technique, an individual is more comfortable with listening to audio books and materials as well as listening in discussions. In the classroom, a student prefers listening attentively to the instructor over taking down notes.

While there are benefits offered by this learning style, there is also negative feedback attributed to it. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with this:

List of Advantages of Auditory Learning

1. Allows for Multi-tasking
Proponents of this learning style claim that learning by ear allows an individual to be versatile when it comes to accomplishing several tasks. This is because by merely listening to audio recordings, one can process information without having to use the eyes or hands. That said, a person can do other things while studying. These can be driving, cooking, painting and cleaning, among others. This makes this learning style effective for people who have to engage in other activities during the process. Consequently, more things will be done in a little time.

2. Increased Retention
People who advocate for auditory learning posit that a good listener has the ability to process information through hearing information and eventually retains it. By playing audio recordings repeatedly wherever the location may be, there is an increased possibility of improved retention in the memory bank.

3. Availability
Another advantage of learning through listening is that there are many sources available in the market and over the internet. With the advent of technology, people today have more means to get information from podcasts and other audio materials.

List of Disadvantages of Auditory Learning

1. Prone to Distractions
Critics of auditory learning argue that this technique also comes with distractions that can impact the learning process. Say, in a classroom setting. If a student is more comfortable with hearing information, the classroom environment can be distracting since there are other students in the area. Also, if the teacher uses visuals and videos to teach, it will be difficult to take in information.

2. Limited
Despite the availability of audio materials found in the internet, opponents of auditory learning say that the learning environment differ especially in classrooms. If the teacher provides reading materials in learning instead of listening aids, it will be difficult for the student to learn without reading the material out loud. Moreover, it is also limited in terms of the learning environment since a café or a noisy environment is not an ideal place to be at for an auditory learner.

3. Can Disrupt Other Learners
Since hearing information is the best way for an auditory learner to absorb information, a student in a classroom needs to whisper or read review materials out loud. This might not be advisable if other students are present and reviewing at the same time since the person who learns by listening can disturb other students.

Auditory learning might be effective for other people but not for some. For a learner who learns better by listening, it is important to know when and where to study to avoid distractions and concentrate more on what information needs to be processed.