Music While Learning

Should you listen to music when studying? In an ideal world we
would probably say no music while doing schoolwork except
classical baroque / instrumental music which actually can help
your memory by getting the brain into a relaxed state. But a good
compromise is as follows. If the work is not very difficult, and
fairly routine, then you can have whatever music you like on. It
will make you feel relaxed, it will make you feel like the time
is going faster and help you stick to completing the work you
need to do. But if the work requires higher order thinking
skills, i.e. studying for a test, trying to understand something
difficult, doing an essay plan, trying to learn or remember
anything – then switch the music off. Otherwise it will end up
taking you much longer to complete the task and to retain what
you are learning (even though you are convinced it is not
affecting you!). Just get in the habit of stopping and asking
yourself each time before you start work whether it is the type
of work that requires you to really focus and concentrate and if
it is – switch the music off for awhile. The same approach goes
for doing work in front of the TV.