LISTENING
You as a student gather about three-fourths of your facts and ideas through listening and only about one-fourth through reading. Yet, if you are like most students, your knowledge of the skills of listening is very slight or perhaps non-existent. With so much of your school time spent listening, listening skills need to be developed.
Giving attention in class is a real problem since the brain can process more than five times as many words per minute as can be spoken. In fact, only approximately 10% of your thinking power is used in hearing the words spoken by a lecturer or teacher. What happens to the remaining 90% can make the difference between an "A" and an "F".
Classes can be profitable. Classes can be enjoyable. You can learn to understand more of what is being said. You can make your activities during the class period save you hours of study time outside of the class. All of this by following the effective listening procedures listed below.
1. Be prepared to listen when the speaker begins and have your note taking materials ready.
2. Formulate questions that you hope will be answered.
3. Skim through the topic or assignment ahead of time.
4. Look at the one who is talking.
5. Stay involved by asking or answering questions.
6. Take notes.
7. Listen attentively without restlessness.
8. Listen to an entire statement and not just to part of it.
9. Learn from others.
10. Willingly share what you know.
11. Remember the important points.
12. Listen even when the topic is not of your liking.
13. Draw conclusions and inferences based on fact and not bias.
14. Shut out distractions and keep quiet.
15. Approach new situations with curiosity.
16. Stop what you are doing when someone is speaking.
17. Control your attention. "Anticipate" "What Else"
18. Think before talking.
19. Don't let yourself wander down side paths with your thoughts.
20. Try to listen with thoughtfulness and understanding.
