The use of headphones and headsets in the classroom have become an essential part of the day-to-day learning in schools around the world. Some may argue that they are unnecessary, but more and more teachers are finding how the use of headphones provide an additional learning experience for students.
Regardless of which side you are on, there is no doubt that this type of technology can benefit schools across the board. Some notable benefits are:
- Make learning more interesting
- Improve a student’s focus and productivity
- Promote a better learning experience and more
Make Learning More Interesting
School headphones and school headsets with microphones can make learning more interesting for both students and teachers. There are so many useful and fun learning games, apps, and e-books available. From math, to reading, or to discover places far away, these engaging programs are an excellent addition to a students learning. They can put their headphones on and be fully focused on the learning app, either as an individual or a group if they are plugged into a listening center.
Improves Focus and Concentration
Studies have shown that it is much more difficult for students to concentrate on their work and maintain focus in a noisy environment. While in the classroom, students can hear other classmates talking, a teacher’s voice or music playing from another classroom, students walking in the hall, etc. If a student is wearing headphones with an over-the-ear earcup, this will help block out surrounding noises, so they can stay focused, even when the noise level increases around them.
Students without headphones or earbuds will feel frustrated by the background noises of classrooms and hallways, leading to a lack of productivity. For example, one study found that students with headphones scored an average of 23% higher on their exams than those without headphones or earbuds.
Students who don't have access to school-provided earbuds can purchase their quality pair at a low price, and they will be surprised by how much easier school work becomes when distractions get eliminated from the equation. School-provided headphones or headsets can be an inexpensive investment that pays off in the form of improved focus and concentration.
A Better Learning Experience
In today's modern world, children need to be able to multitask for them to succeed. Whether they are doing homework or playing a game on their computer, the ability to listen and speak with someone else is essential.
Every student learns differently. Some are hands on, some need to read instruction, while others learn from hearing instruction. Some students work better alone, while others thrive in group settings. No matter what your ideal learning style is, it is great for a student to be exposed to all styles and tools. The use of headphones can provide that individual learning, when they are plugged into a learning app on their own device. They can also be used in a group setting if a listening center is being utilized.
Flexibility in the Learning
The use of headphones may provide a flexibility that could also be helpful for different types of learners. For example, for those with ADHD. A student that has any kind of learning disability can learn at a pace that suits them without worrying about what everyone else in the class is doing. This independence makes it easier for these individuals to stay focused on their work and not be distracted by the actions of others.
Improves Student-Teacher Interaction
Enhanced listening ability can be achieved by using headphones and earbuds, along with an assistive listening system. This solution is ideal for large classrooms or for students who are unable to hear the teacher clearly. This will enhance the sound for students and can be a tremendous help in their learning. Students who have difficulty hearing will have a daily challenge trying to learn.
Great for Noise Cancellation
There are school headphones and headsets that have noise cancelling technology which will completely block out unwanted noises from the surrounding environment. Some headsets have noise cancelling microphones as well. The noise cancelling microphones are an excellent option when a student is needing to speak their answers while using a learning app on their school computer or tablet or during a language learning lesson. It is also ideal for use during testing, so that the words picked up by the mic are from the user, not from another voice in the classroom.
Another option to consider in an over-the-ear earcup. Although they may not have the noise cancelling technology, their design will help reduce surrounding noises. This may be a more affordable option for schools, since the noise cancelling technology typically costs more.
Considering all these benefits that headphones and headsets can provide, it is easy to see why they can be an excellent investment for classrooms, computer rooms, and libraries.
