Listening |
PRESENTED BY |
STUDENT LEARNING SUPPORT |
ENGLISH · ACADEMIC SKILLS · MATHS |
LEVEL 4 HSS · |
LEARNINGSUPPORT@B OND. EDU.AU |
Outline |
All students |
Problems |
Overcoming problems |
Note-taking |
Non-native speakers |
Specific problems |
solutions |
Typical problems
Pre-lecture
Unknown vocabulary
Unfamiliar subject matter
During lecture
Different lecturing styles
Following the organisation
Environment
Pre-lecture activities |
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Problem |
Solution |
Unknown |
Check vocab in advance |
vocabulary |
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Read lecture notes / |
Unfamiliar subject |
subject chapters before |
lecture |
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content |
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During lecture
Problem |
Solution |
Environment
Difficult vocabulary / content
Get to know the lecturer’s style
Sit near the front
Turn off all distractions (mobiles,
computers etc.)
Engage in ‘active listening’ – take notes
Listen for explanations of difficult
terms / repetition of ideas
Watch for gestures that emphasise meaning
Understand how your lecturer organises 
and delivers a lecture
Lecturing styles
Approaches vary according to subject / type of information:
Inductive – starts with small idea and builds up to the major idea
Deductive – starts with the major idea & breaks it down into small parts
Chronological – time order
Topical – presents various separate content areas
Spatial – uses diagrams, maps, pictures to develop the ideas
Lecturing styles cont.
Some lecturers simply deliver a lecture without expecting any participation from audience
Others have a more interactive style – ask questions, expect participation
Some use lots of examples to explain
Some frequently digress
Following the organisation of the lecture
Listen for outline or plan of contentPredict content (previous reading helps)
Listen for organisational signposts / signalling words for parts of the lecture (See supplementary notes)
Be aware of rising intonation before new point / key information / change of topic
Be aware of pausing – usually after an important point or before a new one
Listen for repetition of ideas and vocabulary
Taking Notes
Helps with active listening
Develop own system
Focus on key points / theories/ quotes / references
Be selective
Print out lecture notes in advance
What to note
Main points, principles, and argumentsConcise summaries of the supporting detailExamples and real-life illustrationsSimple diagrams
Important dates and numbers
Enough explanation to provide continuityAny new words
All quotations, definitions, and summaries
Details of any source information mentioned in the lecture