2015-07-07 College Prep: attentive listening

Greg Malivuk
[email protected]
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk
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What are some things that make listening to a presenter, teacher, or professor difficult?
the professor speaks in a monotone (everything is at the same volume and tone)
the professor uses difficult words, such as technical vocabulary that I don’t understand
taking notes can make it difficult to understand everything the professor says (especially if the professor speaks fast)
the topic may not be something I am interested in
noise from the street, other classes, other students in class
the lecture might be too long to focus on the whole time (even if it is very interesting)
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What can you do to counteract these difficulties?
focus on the interesting things that you hear
preview the topic and possible vocabulary for the class (if possible)
participate in class as much as possible (ask questions, provide examples, etc.)
make a recording of the lecture to listen to again later (perhaps when you can be more focused)
keep taking notes even if you’re not sure you understand what the professor is talking about
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p. 41 (149)
Position yourself to listen.
Reduce distractions. (friends, temperature, thirst - sit away from people you talk to, bring layers of clothes, bring water or quiet snacks)
Observe the speaker. (Watch body language as well as listening to words and tone.)
Predict and ask questions.
p. 42 (150)
Postpone judgment. (Don’t rely on stereotypes about appearance, reputation, voice, teaching style, race, or gender. Base your judgment on what the person actually said.)
paraphrase = comment in your own words with your understanding of what the professor explained (to make sure you correctly understand it)
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Homework: p. 44 (152) - answer the three questions about attentive listening for tomorrow