Chapter 7 Listening, Note Taking & Memory

How can you become a better listener? Listening – “A process that involves sensing, interpreting, evaluating and reacting to spoken messages.”

Know the stages of listening Sensation – Listener hears message when ears pick up sound waves Interpretation – Listener attaches meaning to message Evaluation – Listener judges message against personal values Reaction – Listener provides feedback to speaker through questions and comments

listening challenges Divided attention and distractions – Internal distractions – External distractions Shutting out the message The rush to judgment Partial hearing Learning disabilities

Become an active listener Set purposes for listening Ask questions Pay attention to verbal signpost Expect the unexpected

Set purpose for listening

Ask questions “The most important types of question you will ask are … – CLARIFYING QUESTIONS” Don’t let your questions distract you from learning Cultural differences?

Verbal Signposts – Spoken words or phrases that call attention to the information that follows.

Verbal signposts - examples Signals pointing to key concepts – “There are two reasons for this…” – “A critical point in the process involves…” – “Most important…” – “The result is…” Key Concepts

Verbal signposts - examples Signals pointing to differences – “On the contrary…” – “On the other hand…” – “In contrast…” – “However…” Differences

Verbal signposts - examples Signal of support – “For example…” – “Specifically…” – “For instance…” – “Similarly…” Support

Verbal signposts - examples Signals that summarize – “Finally…” – “Recapping this idea…” – “In conclusion…” – “As a result…” Summarize

Expect the unexpected

Note taking – WHY????? Helps you remember It helps you to concentrate It helps you prepare for tests. Clues for what the instructor thinks most important (i.e., what will show up on the next test). Your notes often contain information that cannot be found elsewhere (i.e., in your textbook).

How can you make the most of note taking? 3 step process 1.Prepare 2.Record 3.Review / revise

Preparing to take class notes Preview your reading material Gather your supplies Location, location, location Choose the best note-taking system – The instructors style – The course material – Your learning style

Record information effectively Practical advice – Date & number every page – Record what the instructor Repeats or Emphasizes Questions asked Writes on the board Signals with verbal signposts Indicates as key terms – Leave “white space” – Draw pictures – Quick but clear

Record information effectively Questions marks & spaces Use … – symbols – highlighters – different color pens – CAPITAL LETTERS

Concentrate Be Consistent Be selectively Use your own words. Be brief.

Review & Revise your notes Plan a review schedule – Review within a day of the lecture – Review regularly – Review with an eye toward tests Revise using other sources & critical thinking Summarize Work with Study Group

Note Taking systems Outline form – Formal outline – Informal outline

Cornell Note taking system – (T-system) – 3 areas Note taking area Cue column Summaries

Create a think link AKA: – Mind map or word web Visualization – The interpretation of verbal ideas though the use of visual images

Use other visual note-taking strategies Timelines

Use other visual note-taking strategies Tables

Use other visual note-taking strategies Hierarchy charts

How can you write faster when taking notes? Shorthand – A system of rapid handwriting that employs symbols, abbreviations and shortened words to represent words and phrases

How can you write faster when taking notes? Standard abbreviations – w/ with – < Less than – # number – eg For example

How can you write faster when taking notes? Shorten words by removing vowels – Prps Purpose – Lwyr Lawyer – Cmptr Computer

How can you write faster when taking notes? Substitute word beginning for the entire word – Assoc Associate – Info Information – Subj subject

How can you write faster when taking notes? Make up your own symbols – b/4 Before – 2thake Toothache – TEXT

How can you write faster when taking notes? If you are repeating a work / phrase throughout the lecture – make an abbreviation for it. – Pneumonia (PN) – Florence Nightingale (FN)

How does memory work 3 stages of memory – Sensory memory seconds – Short-term memory seconds – Long-term memory

Four stages of Long term memory Concrete experiences – Hearing or seeing the material, or responses to your new ideas Reflective observation: – Relating material to previous knowledge Abstract hypothesis – Using material to generate new ideas Active testing – Trying out and communication new ideas.

What memory strategies can improve recall? Have a purpose and intention

What memory strategies can improve recall? Understand what you memorize

What memory strategies can improve recall? Recite, rehearse & write – Recite = Repeat key concepts aloud – Rehearsing Repeating key concepts silently (in your mind) – Write Reciting on paper

What memory strategies can improve recall? Study during short, frequent sessions – Which is better? A.Studying for 60 minutes straight B.Studying 3 times for 20 minutes each

What memory strategies can improve recall? Limit and organize material

What memory strategies can improve recall? Practice the middle

What memory strategies can improve recall? Create groupings

What memory strategies can improve recall? Use flash cards

What memory strategies can improve recall? Use a tape recorder

What memory strategies can improve recall? Use mnemonic devices Mnemonic devices – Memory techniques that involve associating new information with information you already know.

What memory strategies can improve recall? Create visual images and associations

Creating visual images & assoc. Draw the Cornell notes system

Creating a visual image 3 stages of memory – Sensory – Short-term – Long-term

What memory strategies can improve recall? Use the mental walk strategy to remember items in a list

Mental Walk Bedroom  Hallway  kids room  bathroom Four stages of Long- term memory

What memory strategies can improve recall? Create acronyms

Acronyms stages of listening – Sensation – Interpretation – Evaluation – Reaction

What memory strategies can improve recall? Use songs or rhymes

Strategies for Group Success Choose a leader for each meeting Set Long-term and short term goals ID specific ways to work together Share the work Set a regular meeting schedule Create study material for each other