Rubenstein, G. (2006). Listening to literature: Struggling readers respond to recorded books. Retrieved on February 15, 2009, from, http://www.edutopia.org/print/2689
Rubenstein brings up some very interesting thoughts regarding the use of audio books in the classroom. From the article it appears that recorded books have been researched heavily and contain quite a few advantages to them. Using this type of technology, students can hear what good reading sounds like and strengthen their own fluency as a result. I also appreciate what the author says about students’ opportunities to learn to love literature. When students are stuck with boring content, there is a hatred of reading that develops. Audio books would be engaging for students because they hear texts come to life in the storytellers’ voices. I would guess that many students would consider reading time a treat when they are given opportunities to listen to audio books. Also, Rubenstein mentions that speeches and newspaper articles are available through digital audio websites. This could be a useful tool for content teachers in subjects like social studies or science who want to enhance the reading levels of their students.
I also think audio books have their disadvantages as well. My cooperating teacher used them frequently in her Language Arts/English classroom, and we found that they weren’t ideal for every situation. While listening to A Midwife’s Apprentice on an audio recording, many students did not follow along in their books. Instead of reading with the storyteller, some students preferred to lay their heads down on their desk or do homework for other classes. They were immediately reprimanded for their behavior, but it was clear that they did not take this activity seriously. At times I think audio books can cause students to become passive readers. For this reason I think this type of technology should be used sparingly in a classroom. Due to the need for variety in classroom planning, I think students should experience other types of reading besides that of audio books. They can be a huge advantage to students as long as teachers have the right goals in mind and do not over use them.
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Tami: I agree with your comments about the use of audio books in the classroom as I have had smiliar experiences. I think that students think that audio books are a way for them to 'shut down' and let someone else to the work/thinking for them. I do wonder though if when the purpose of audio books is used if they could have a greater impact in the classroom. I guess if the purpose of using audio books is strictly for comprehension or vocabulary building, does it really matter how the students listen to the story? Do they have to follow along in thier book to increase their listening comprehension? Just a different point of view. I enjoyed your blog post and the fact that it made me think about audio books in a different light.
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