The Three A’s of Active Listening
- Attitude
- Listen with intentionality and focus: hearing does not necessarily mean listening.
- See the lecture as an opportunity to take control of information.
- If your mind begins to wander, write something to tie yourself back in.
- Attention
- Listen for the professor’s purpose: what is the big picture for today?
- Sit front and center in the classroom.
- Make eye contact with the professor.
- Adjustment
- If the professor is moving too quickly for you, leave blank space for catching up later, either with the professor/TA, the text, or a fellow student.
More Tips
Watch for emphasis by recognizing:
- Repetition
- Extended comment
- Verbal cues
- Physical cues
