Sharpen Your Listening Skills
Consider listening as more than hearing; rather, think of it as a comprehension process
Identify main ideas
Evaluate important concepts
Connect points to the main idea
Listen to what is said, not just how it is delivered.
Focus on ideas as well as on facts and definitions.
Be especially aware of opening remarks; they often "set the stage" and can be key to understanding the entire lecture.
Determine and understand the purpose of the lecture. The purpose may not be specifically stated. You may need to "ferret" it out .
Is it to present information?
Is it to raise questions?
Is it to demonstrate a procedure?
Approach listening as a conscious mental activity, not just something that happens automatically.
Four final suggestions
Keep a positive attitude about what you're doing; the material is important and will help determine your success.
Pay Attention: Don't let yourself be distracted by surrounding noise or activity. If you do, you will miss something important.
Be prepared for changes in direction; lectures don't always follow just one line of thought.
Keep Alert: Never get up in the middle of a live lecture and walk about, but occasionally shift you position quietly; this will stop you from "settling in" too much. If you are listening to a tape or watching a video, pause it and get up and move about for a brief time.
Successful college students need to acquire many skills. One of the most important is how to listen. Whether sitting in a class lecture or viewing a video or audio, students must know how to listen "actively" in order to learn as much as possible from what they hear.
Here are some quick guidelines to help you develop this vital skill.
This skill does not just happen; it takes practice. But, if you persist, you will develop the ability to listen actively, and having this skill will be invaluable, not just during your college years, but throughout your life.
