I am in a hall right now listening
to the performance of my students after the first continuous assessment
test.
I took my time noting the opinion of
those who came out in flying colors, while some observed that reading their
notes each day after class helped, others ascribed their success to reading
variety of textbooks and preparing questions for the teacher to throw more
light on the subject…
Then I started writing this to back
up their points. It is a rejoinder to the first piece published couple of days
ago. It is aimed at explaining the art of listening and taking notes in
the class, the benefits et al.
Multi-tasking is a skill that is in
high demand. Simply put, it entails doing several things at the same time
successfully.
In the classroom scenario one type
of multi-tasking which I would like every child to master is the art of
listening and taking notes.
By using the word MASTER, it means
that such an art is not as simple as you may think.
Many students prefer to listen and
then read their notes after they have copied it.
In most cases, by the time they
access their notes, they remember little or nothing about the topic. And if
you're dealing with subjects like biology, you will understand how scary bulky
notes can be to students.
But from my frequent dealing and
interaction with students, I have come to appreciate the art of writing and
listening at the same time.
Sometimes, students say it distracts
them from listening effectively. But writing does not necessarily mean putting
down everything the teacher has said from A - Z.
It entails the ability to listen and
pick out sensitive words, phrases or sentences while the lesson is going
on.
Beneath are other advantages you can
garner from listening and writing in the class as well...
Listening and writing serves as a
faucet when opened will remind you of other things that took place that day
during the lesson.
Secondly it is a fact that notes are
mere summary of facts and points. So when you listen and write, there's a high
chance of you picking up extra points which may not be in the note.
Another point you must note is that
half of what is said during the lesson period will never be in the note. What
is written is written but when one speaks, ideas pop in which allows for
further explanation as the lesson goes on.
Now when you repeatedly do this, it
makes you write very fast which is an important skill you must possess to be
effective in the university environment and wherever you may find
yourself.
This art of taking notes in the
class is called jotting. I was introduced to it in JSS1. Till date I have no
regrets.
They are many other reasons why you
must take note in the class or jot and listen at the same time.
Make it a habit - do it repeatedly
from today. In a couple of months, you will notice some difference.
Do you consider this tips helpful,
do leave your comments, opinion below. It has helped me a great deal.
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