IN ORDER TO TAKE GOOD NOTES YOU MUST BE A GOOD LISTENER

What are your most common listening obstacles?

We are all guilty of bad listening habits of some sort. From the list below choose the five obstacles that most often get in the way of your listening in class. Explain in detail how you can overcome this obstacle. (Not just, "I won't do it anymore!")

1. Talking instead of listening.

2. Thinking of what you're going to say instead of listening.

3. Mentally arguing with the speaker.

4. Thinking about something else while the speaker is talking.

5. Getting impatient with the speaker.

6. Giving in to a poor environment­­too noisy, too hot, too hungry!

7. Dividing your attention­­getting homework, writing a letter, staring at someone cute!

8. Not listening actively­­taking notes, asking questions, etc.

9. Not being motivated to listen. The subject is boring!!

10. Being distracted by the speaker's mannerisms, voice, or appearance.

How to Improve Your Listening

There are some common sense principles that will help you become a better listener in class and therefore become a better note taker.

• 1. Come to class prepared. What does this involve?How will this make you become a better listener?
• 2. Sit as close to the instructor as possible. Why?
• 3. Come to class as early as possible. Why?
• 4. Listen for verbal clues that something is important. What are some examples of things the instructor might say to let you know that a point is important?
• 5. Watch for non-verbal clues that a point is important. What are some examples?
• 6. Listen with a pen or pencil in your hand. Why?
• 7. Think questions as you are listening. Mentally ask questions such as " What is the main idea?" Or, "What point is he trying to make?" What other questions might you ask? How will this help?
  

  Return to Study Skills Help Page

  Return to High School Index