Should students listen to music while doing homework?

Answer: No, never.  Sarah Lucca

Many students feel that listening to music while doing homework will help them work more efficiently. Unfortunately, music is a major distraction, especially music that contains lyrics. While doing homework and listening to music, not only is your brain trying to comprehend the words you're seeing, but also the words you're hearing. So just listen to instrumental music, right? Sadly, this won't change that fact that listening to anything while doing homework is a distraction, which can cause you to retain less information. In the end, this can result in lack of knowledge and lower test scores. So the next time you sit down to do homework, it may just be best to do it in silence.

Answer: Yes, if it works.  Esther Garcia

Speaking from personal experience, I have found it very helpful to listen to music while doing my homework. Everyone learns differently, so the answer to this question is more complex than just a 'yes' or 'no.' Often, I find myself having to turn on music to be able to tune out other noise in my home. There are always members of my family home, and it is always quite noisy. Music allows me to focus more on my work. I have always received mixed reactions from friends as well. Some say it is impossible for them to listen to music and do homework, but others would agree that it is difficult to complete homework without music. So should a student do homework while listening to music? Well-- that is completely up to the student, but I think there is no harm in trying!

What do you think? Leave a comment and join the debate! 

Sarah Lucca is an 11th Grade PeerGenius Tutor.
Esther Garcia is an 11th Grade PeerGenius Tutor.