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

• 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 process1. Prepare2. Record3. 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• 10-20 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 straightB. 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