In their book, (2021) The Study Skills Book, Pearson Education Limited, 4th Ed, Dr. Kathleen McMillan considers different types of listeners which we have applied to a university setting.
Take a look and see if you relate to any of these styles:
The Dreamer
Someone who looks out the window, who daydreams and is distracted and preoccupied thinking about something else.
The Procrastinator
Intends to attend the lecture, wants to listen and means to do pre session reading but never quite achieves this effectively.
The Listener
Listens well, pays attention, and takes effective notes.
The Networker
Uses the lecture as an opportunity to charge laptop/mobiles, monitor emails and update social media.
The Squirrel
Listens very intently and writes everything down rather than being selective.
The Techno-artiste
Uses different technology to take notes on laptops or phones but runs the risk of technical malfunctions or notification distractions.
The Whisperer
Talks, albeit in a quiet voice, to fellow students throughout the lecture.
You might identify with more than one, acknowledging your style of listening will help you to adapt and develop using the tactics discussed.
