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Listening to lectures

Listening to lectures

Listening to lectures can be made easier if you have done some reading about the topic prior to the lecture. At the lecture, active listening is important, so that you are able take concise notes on the salient points, to be expanded later on.

The seahorse project

Listen actively during the lecture.

It is not necessary to record the lecturer’s every word or idea. Listen for important
points.

1. Listen for relationships between ideas in texts, class discussions, and the
lectures.

2. Listen for cue words; they help you cluster and prioritize information.

(Source - Trent University)

What to Do After the Lecture

It is important to review your notes soon after the lecture ends.

1. Read through your notes as soon as you can after the lecture ends. Highlight or
underline main points. Try to fill in any gaps in your notes.
2. Respond to and reflect on your notes in the margins of the paper. You can use
the Cornell Method or any other method you prefer.

3. Discuss your notes with a friend or study group. This can help you to process
information, fill in gaps in your notes, and deepen your understanding of the main
points.
4. Make flashcards or lists of key terms. You don’t need to wait for the end of the
semester to start preparing for exams. Take a few minutes to put key vocabulary
terms or concepts on index cards or a list of terms with a brief definition.
5. Keep your notes organized so you can find them. Indicate paper code, lecture
title, and date of the lecture. File your notes together by paper and organize them
chronologically for easy access; this strategy works for handwritten or typed
notes.


Practise listening skills for lectures

Victoria University - Watch and listen to public lectures

eLanguages - Video for practising listening skils for lectures