Effective Listening Strategies
Effective listening is a process characterized by the complete and comprehensive reception of the information and, by extension, a profound understanding of the heard material. In simple terms, it is an ability to recognize, comprehend, and remember the important points in the information delivered orally. Since much information is presented in this format during the educational process, it is important to devise several strategies that would help me listen effectively. First, it is important to identify central themes and important points in the information flow. This can be achieved through concentration and focus and deciphering skills (the ability to recognize core concepts and differentiate them from supporting ideas. Second, I must identify the most complex and confusing points and clarify them immediately if acceptable during the class. Third, I need to adjust my note-taking skills to match each speaker and make sure that the resulting text is both broad and deep enough to cover each listening session and that the information is fully retrievable. Fourth, I should revise relevant previous knowledge – this strategy makes comprehension of reading material much more easy and effective.
Reading Skills
I can evaluate my reading skills as at least sufficient for successful comprehension of the material. My strengths include a strong focus on the material I work with, a good understanding of the text, the ability to memorize the information and recall it when needed, and the skill of identifying central ideas and themes on the go without the need to create a graph or a visual representation. My weaknesses are the inability to quickly navigate through the text in search of unfamiliar information and, by extension, the slow speed of reading. The said weaknesses can be improved through practice and via using speed reading exercises necessarily followed by tests to monitor success. The strengths can be maximized by carefully selecting reading material of varying difficulty and a diverse range of topics. In this way, it will be possible to maintain the necessary level of reading skills and improve deciphering skills useful across the studying process.
Note-Taking Strategies
Depending on the topic of the material, two approaches to note-taking can be used. When the lecture is expected to cover one or several well-defined and straightforward themes, I will use the Cornell method which allows for an excellent structure that is accessible, streamlined, and easy to use (Cornell University, n.d.). In addition, notes organized in such a manner do not require preparation. If, on the other hand, the material is complex and interconnected, I will incorporate visual aids in my notes. Diagram elements are the most suitable solutions since they are easy to add on the go and on some occasions save time as they can substitute phrases and sentences. The use of pictograms is also an option since they are easy to leave and detect, save time, and make the text systematized. However, they also can make notes more confusing and should be used consistently.
Test-Taking Strategies
Two of the most powerful strategies to improve test results are systematizing the preparation process and organizing the knowledge prior to the test. To ensure the former, I will create a schedule and carefully plan each segment to minimize unexpected difficulties. The schedule will include not only the details on hours for studying but also time dedicated to rest, food, and sleep. The latter is an ongoing process that ensures that no important information relevant to the test is lost prior to the immediate preparation. Such a systematic approach not only improves the studying outcomes but is also expected to help me decrease stress and put me in control of the situation (Witte, 2014).
References
Cornell University. (n.d.). The Cornell note-taking system. Web.
Witte, B. (2014). 5 Ways to reduce anxiety on test day. Web.