When you’re a student, sometimes, the mind wanders. Sometimes, even when you are genuinely interested in the subject, it can be tough to stay focused for 45 straight minutes several times a day. And then there are the classes in which you’re not interested at all, which are ten times harder to keep up with. Let’s face it, class can be a drag, and in that respect, you are not alone. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to go. It also doesn’t mean that you do have to suffer. Albeit, we all struggle at times to stay focused, but that’s not to say that there aren’t ways to overcome those distractions. So in the interest of making class a more stimulating and enjoyable experience, here are the listening skills you need to stay sufficiently attentive in school. A great way to harness the benefits of these skills is with the private tutoring NYC agency, Big Apple Tutoring.
Seating arrangements: That whole cliche about the cool kids sitting in the back is a myth. The cool kids are the smart ones and the smart ones sit at the front of the class, where they can engage more actively with their peers and their instructors. This goes especially for the giant lectures you’ll likely encounter in college. The more you blend into the crowd, the less you’ll care, the less you’ll hear, and the more you’ll have to study later. Consider it an investment that will pay off later.
Focus on the information and not on the speaker: You owe a lot to your teachers for agreeing to stand in front of your class and endure the endless slew the inevitable judgment from 20 to 100 students each day. We, as humans, are accustomed to looking at our public speakers and honing in on their most noticeable quirks, and letting that drive our trains of thought. Don’t be that guy/girl. Ignore the quirks and focus on the info. You’re here to learn, not to judge.
Stay tuned for the big picture: Every teacher has a lesson plan with a list of concepts and points he or she is looking to communicate to the class. So when he or she asks you a question, you shouldn’t just think about the answer to that particular question. You should also ponder why it is they’re asking it, and how it relates to the broader subject. If you can track your instructor’s method, you can better anticipate, which in turn will make it easier to follow him or her throughout the course of the lesson.
Take notes: It’s a bit of a pain. Sometimes it’s tedious. But it keeps you engaged. And the more engaged you are, the more interested you’ll be. If you find yourself constantly playing catch up, you’ll run out of energy quickly and lose the desire to stay attentive sooner rather than later. Note taking is a great means to keep you on the same page as the rest of the class.
You don’t need to be Carl Sagan to be an attentive student. You just need to have the will to learn, and to recognize that it’s your responsibility, and no one else’s, to ensure that that learning is achieved. Your listening skills will sharpen with time, provided that you make the effort. You can accelerate your progress tremendously, however, with the assistance of some private tutoring. NYC tutoring is a great way to make your education more productive and fulfilling. Sign up with Big Apple Tutoring today by reaching out on our contact page or calling us at 212-479-0830.
