Listening

How to develop active listening skills

Good listening for better transcripts! As a university student, the main task is not just to simply listen, but to be able to listen consciously. For listening to be truly effective, it must be done actively and attentively.

Benefits of active listening

  • Allows to process and summarize the information received.
  • Allows for more comprehensive and better notes.
  • Stimulates motivation

To achieve this, here are some tips:

  • If you are well prepared and know the structure of the course and the topics to be covered before you start, you will be able to categorize the information you receive from the beginning and focus on what is really relevant. It is also helpful to have familiarized yourself with the course readings and content in advance in case you have difficulty following the instructor's train of thought or understanding the concepts presented.
  • Concentrate and remain attentive from the beginning to the end of the lesson.
  • Develop a constructive attitude toward the course regardless of any obstacles you may encounter.
  • Avoid sources of distraction such as Internet access or social media, and find a seat in the lecture hall that allows you to immerse yourself in class.
  • Writing by hand helps you focus on the moment. Writing not only makes it easier to listen, but also removes sources of distraction to focus on the information you are receiving and activates memorization skills.
  • Pay attention to repetitions and examples from class to identify key terms and concepts. They should be highlighted and noted, as well as the examples presented, because they will make it easier for you to recall them during later revisions.
  • Pay attention to the transitions between topics to better understand the structure of the course. This will help you identify a meaning and a structure of the discourse. For example, "1st chapter" or connecting words such as "in contrast" or "beyond."
  • Listening also works through the visual. Paying attention to nonverbal language, such as an emphasis on tone or a gesture, helps you understand what is being said.
  • Rephrasing to better remember later allows you to think about the material presented, to appropriate it in your own words, and to internalize it.
  • Being an active participant and asking questions can help to motivate you and to improve your understanding of the material. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Speaking in lecture halls can be scary, but will help you and may help other students as well. So pay attention to what is being said in order to respond directly if something is not being understood.

 


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