I use original music that directly relates to course content in university psychology courses that I teach.  I haven't done any formal studies on the results, but I have observed that when the lyrics incorporate or mirror the course content, the course material is more efficiently and effectively retained. 

Half a life ago, my buddy and I would set up a chess game and a backgammon board next to the pool table and a pitcher of bannana daquaris. That's about all I can remember...  

Posted by Drummel:

I got my college degree when I was in my 30's while I worked full time and raised two kids. It was tough keeping up with the reading demand so I had to have total silence when I studied. One exception was a 3 unit CLEP exam I took about the Vietman War. The test was based on a nine-part PBS series so I checked out the entire series on VHS from the KC library and watched all of them over a period of two days. I took the test four days later and passed it. Other than that - total silence.

Yeah ill agree with that one.. its like looking for an address while driving, we insinctively turn down the radio. it's weird but it helps. I do require some sort of noise, complete silence is also distracting, so I usually have on instrumental music or a fan.

I took 9 CLEP tests back in the 70s when I was in the Air Force.  The only one I didn't pass was the American Lit.  Lost by an eyelash.   They were 35 dollars apiece. 

Freethinker, here is a website you may enjoy. 

http://cbn2.ttripod.com

You will immediately told by those here who are afraid of it, that it is untrue.  Decide for yourself.

Have a good day.

 

 

 

 

I don't believe that. I used to study and do homework while listening to KUZZ all the time. I would even read books while listening to the radio. It works well for me. Now I just listen to NPR, so it's usually just the classical music or the ocean sounds that I'll listen to while I'm doing my homework.

I need to have silence when I study for an exam too. Doing it with a job and family, I'd get 30 minutes here and there. When working on my Thesis, I needed LONG periods of solitude. Fortunately, my Wife understood and took up my slack. She's a real Peach..........

Music is great for driving, but singing along is better for me. Finding a station while driving on the other hand is not even an option. Having the tunes on on a long drive really helps me stay awake when alone. But when my 14 year old is riding with me I sadly have to share the CD player. This leads to her wanting to hear the same horrendous CD's worst cuts over and over exclaiming, "but Mom! You'd like this song if you listened to the words!"...Not!
I like to have noise in the house when I read or design websites. If nobody is home and I am still working around 2:00 PM I embarrassedly must confess I will turn on the most dispicable TV. You guessed it- Jerry Springer. It makes me humble to watch this show in particular because I have been lucky enough to not understand, or know anybody like the guests on that show. Surely these folks are actors and this is all staged. (tell me this is true, please)
I like company or people around 24/7 to be honest no matter what I am involved in. Grew up the youngest of 6 kids so feel right at home with the kids radio blasting from the end of the hall, someone working on the computer in another room (with sound) and a movie, history, educational or science special on the big screen in the living room.
I think I should start a co-operative or shared living situation when my daughter grows up and goes to college so there will be people around.
The one thing I have trouble with is someone in particular talking to me while I work on html (website code). it urks me to no end! Shh! That's a secret.