SUCCESS SKILLS (LISTENING & HOMEWORK)

LISTENING SKILLS

Listening (unlike hearing, which is a physical process not requiring thinking) gives meaning to the sounds you hear. It helps you understand. Listening is an active process that requires concentration and practice. In learning, the instructor's responsibility is to present information; the student's responsibility is to be "available" for learning. Not listening means you will be unable to learn the material.

To help develop listening skills:

• Approach the classroom ready to learn: leave personal problems outside the classroom. Try to avoid distractions
• Even if you do not sit close to the instructor, focus your attention directly on him/her.
• Pay attention to the instructor's style and how the lecture is organized.
• Participate; ask for clarification when you do not understand.
• Take notes.
• Listen for key words, names, events and dates.
• Don't make hast judgments; separate fact from opinion.
• Connect what you hear with what you already know.

HOMEWORK SKILLS

• Keep track of your daily assignments in this datebook so you will always know what you have to do.
• Homework is an essential part of learning. Even though you may not have written work to do, you can always review or reread assignments. The more you review information, the easier it is to remember and the longer you are able to retain it.
• Realize that homework is considered an important part of learning. Not doing your homework because you do not believe in homework is self-defeating behavior.
• It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed when you are absent. Take the initiative to ask a classmate or instructor what you need to make up. You need to also know when it needs to be turned in. If you are absent for several days, make arrangements to receive assignments while you are out.
• Have a place to study that works for you, one that is free from distractions. Be honest with yourself about using the TV or stereo during study time. Make sure you have everything you need before you begin to work.
• Develop a schedule that you can follow. Be rested when you study. It is okay to study in short blocks of time. Marathon study sessions may be self-defeating.
• Prioritize your homework so that you begin with the most important assignment first: study for a test, then do the daily assignment, etc.