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Listening and Participating
in Class
It may sound simple but listening in lectures is
a skill that takes practice and effort. It is one thing to listen and
it is another to actively engage in listening. Listening should be a
thinking activity that you are engaged in. Active listening is not
always easy as there can be many obstacles to get in the way. The way the lecturer speaks may make
it difficult to understand the material – let’s face it,
sometimes an instructor is a little on the boring side and may not be
engaging! Activities to help
you actively listen include; summarizing, seeking on terms that have been
emphasized, linking material to previous knowledge, applying points to your
own personal experience, listening objectively to another opinion, and
focusing on writing notes. There is a lot going on when you are
actively listening and ways that you can improve these skills.
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Focus on one or two activities and practice
them until they become second nature
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Focus on the speaker, stop all other
activities, such as checking emails, texts or work for another class
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Before class review what you already know
about the subject
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Sit up front to avoid distractions –
it is proven that students who sit up front are more engaged and get better
marks!
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Set aside your opinions and listen with an
open mind, you are there to learn and part of learning is hearing another
perspective
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Avoid negative thinking before the class,
such as “the professor is boring, the subject is boring”, focus
on why you are there and what you hope to accomplish from the lecture
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Get involved, respond to questions and
discussions
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Be realistic, you will most likely not be
able to give 100% all the time, just be aware of when your mind wanders and
bring yourself back to the here and now
Participating in Class
Participating in class is important not only because active involvement
increases what is remembered, but it is also a way for people to learn from
one another. As well, in some classes it is a part of the curriculum
and final grade. Many students find participating in class
challenging because they are afraid of not sounding intelligent, as well
they often find it difficult to know how and when to ask questions and
offer opinions. As with any new skill this is one that also can be
improved upon the more you do it. Eventually in life you will most
likely be in a situation where articulate speech is rewarded.
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Clarify with professor on whether or not
class participation is graded and their expectations
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Be prepared for all lectures by doing the
required readings and reviewing your notes
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Prepare any questions that you may want to
raise in class
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If participating is difficult for you
practice with a friend, also ask yourself “what is the worst thing
that could happen if I participated?”
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Make it a point to ask one question or make
one comment in each class – practice makes perfect!
For more information please see
the following websites:
http://www.studygs.net/listening.htm
http://www.studygs.net/classrm.htm
http://www.studygs.net/intstudy.htm
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