Listening and Taking Notes
Listening for Key Words
One of the habits to develop when taking notes is to listen for key words, clues, hints, patterns and other techniques instructors use when presenting or lecturing. Some of these tips for finding clues and patterns in a lecture include:
- Previews and summaries
- Written material on the board
- Highlighted areas on overheads, blackboard/whiteboard writing
- Visual aids
- Repetition of points
- Vocal emphasis
- Questions asked during class
- Cause-effect relationships
- Word clues such as:
- Four causes of
- Five aspects of
- Therefore
- In conclusion
- And so we see
- Hence
- In a like manner
- On the other hand
- However
Tips for Effective Listening
- Sit near the front of the room.
- Find a reason to listen to the speaker. Ask yourself, "Why is this important?"
- Listen for more than just facts; try to understand the big picture.
- Recite key ideas to yourself.
- Take more notes than necessary.
- Pay attention.
- Avoid outside distractions and internal noise.
- Anticipate what the speaker is going to say next.
- Try to select main ideas and supporting details (mentally organize).
- Prepare for lectures beforehand.
- Listen first, then write; leave spaces to fill in gaps in your information.
- Formulate questions to look up later or ask the instructor.
- Put aside personal bias and listen to the content of the speaker's message.
Write It Down if the Speaker:
- Repeats an item.
- Writes an item on the board or overheads.
- Points or gestures.
- Changes tone or volume of voice.
- Makes a direct reference to the book.
- Asks if everyone understands.
- Gives an example.
- Slows down.
