When you study, do you like to listen to music? Maybe you have a favourite playlist that helps you focus or prefer silence. Music is a part of our lives and can affect how we think and feel. But have you ever wondered how music affects your learning? Does it help you remember things better or distract you from the important stuff? In this article, we will explore how music and learning are connected.
The Bad Effect of Music on Learning: Understanding the Phonological Loop
Did you know that your brain has a special place for sound in your short-term memory? It’s called the phonological loop, and it’s where your brain processes all the sounds you hear. Whether you’re reading a book, talking to a friend, or jamming to your favourite songs, this loop helps you make sense of the noise around you.
But what happens when the noise around you is too much for your brain to handle? What if the music you listen to while studying interferes with the information you’re trying to learn? Well, it turns out that your learning might suffer.
Some researchers found that students who studied in silence did much better than those who studied with music with words. This means your favourite pop song might be a hidden enemy, secretly making your learning harder.
Not All Noise is the Same: Choosing the Right Sounds
Before you rush to turn off your music, you should know that not all noise is bad for your learning. The effect of noise on your studying depends on what kind of noise it is. Music without words tends to have only a small effect on your learning, making it a little bit harder than silence. Music with words – even in languages you may not understand – can hurt your ability to remember information.
A Surprising Twist: Your Working Memory Capacity
Interestingly, the way music influences our learning is not the same for everyone. Some people have a higher working memory capacity – which means they can keep more things in their mind at once – and they can handle the effects of music better. So, some people might not be affected by background music as much as others, and they might even find it relaxing, reducing stress or blocking out other noises. For learners who have trouble paying attention, listening to white noise, like a fan’s sound, could help them do better.
Finding the Right Tune: Using Sound Effectively for Learning
So, what does this mean for you? If you want to remember things as best as you can, your safest choice is to study in complete silence. If this is not possible, earplugs or consistent white noise might help you too. For the music lovers who can’t study without their tunes, sticking to music without words could reduce the negative impact on learning.
Listen to Learn
The next time you reach for your headphones as you set out to study, think about the hidden effects your chosen music might have on your mind. Choosing the right sound for your studies could significantly affect how well you learn.