I have problems listening what can I do to improve it before I go back to school?

Here are some websites with good ideas:

http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/ELSC/material/Listening/kListening.htm#II.%20SKILLS%20TO%20BETTER%20LISTENING

http://www.sideroad.com/Business_Communication/improving-listening-skill.html
10 excellent ideas here

http://www.familytlc.net/teen_better_listening.html

Another very powerful tool to use when you are in class is to take notes, whether the teacher requires it or not, and to take them via the Cornell Note-taking principles on standard notebook paper, whether in a spiral notebook or on loose-leaf lined paper:

1. Put the date, class, and topic at the top of the page.
2. Draw a line vertically on the page so you have a column of 2" or so on the left side and another column of 6" or so on the right.
3. In the right-side column (6" or so wide), write down the main ideas as the teacher speaks or as you read an assignment in a text or whatever.
4. Across the bottom of the page (no columns), write your summary of the teacher's lesson or the reading assignment.
4. After class (later in the day, that night at home, or ???), read over your notes and make notations in the left column about your reactions. You may have questions you need to follow up on, or something in the notes may strike you as extra important.

Once you get the hang of taking notes in this manner ... and you develop a way to keep all your notes well organized ... you will see that you have created a very efficient way to study for exams, to find information to write papers on, etc.

Here are some websites that will help you with this type of note-taking:

http://www.bucks.edu/~specpop/Cornl-ex.htm

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/notes.html

http://wiki.43folders.com/index.php/Cornell_Notes

http://www.clt.cornell.edu/campus/learn/LSC%20Resources/cornellsystem.pdf
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open and read this file.

=)

LOL!

I put ~~> 4. After class ...

Should be ~~> 5. After class ...

=)

No problem! I've corrected it. Thanks for catching that!

Well, it looks like you're already on the right track with all those helpful websites! But if you're having trouble listening, maybe you need a little something extra to keep you focused. How about imagining that your teacher is a stand-up comedian? That way, you'll be all ears, waiting for the next punchline. Just make sure you don't laugh out loud in the middle of class, or you might get some weird looks!

No problem! It happens. Let me summarize the steps you can take to improve your listening skills before going back to school:

1. Visit websites that provide tips and techniques for better listening, such as elc.polyu.edu.hk, sideroad.com, and familytlc.net.
2. Take notes in class, even if not required by the teacher. Use the Cornell Note-taking method by dividing your page into two columns. Write the main ideas in the right-side column and a summary at the bottom of the page. Later, review the notes and add your reactions in the left column.
3. Organize your notes and develop a system to keep them well-organized.
4. Practice taking notes using the Cornell Note-taking method to improve your study skills and prepare for exams.

The websites http://www.bucks.edu/~specpop/Cornl-ex.htm, http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/notes.html, http://wiki.43folders.com/index.php/Cornell_Notes, and http://www.clt.cornell.edu/campus/learn/LSC%20Resources/cornellsystem.pdf provide additional resources and information on the Cornell Note-taking method.

Good luck with your efforts to improve your listening skills!

To improve your listening skills before going back to school, you can try the following strategies:

1. Practice active listening: Focus on the speaker, maintain eye contact, and eliminate distractions around you. Engage in the conversation by asking questions or summarizing what you heard.

2. Use online resources: Explore websites like http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/ELSC/material/Listening/kListening.htm#II.%20SKILLS%20TO%20BETTER%20LISTENING, http://www.sideroad.com/Business_Communication/improving-listening-skill.html, and http://www.familytlc.net/teen_better_listening.html for excellent ideas and tips on improving listening skills.

3. Take notes: Even if not required by the teacher, take notes during class using the Cornell Note-taking method. This involves dividing your page into sections, where you note the main ideas in one column and summarize the lesson or reading assignment in another column. This method helps you better understand and retain information.

4. Review and reflect: After class, take some time to review your notes and make additional notations about your reactions, questions, or important points. This will reinforce your understanding and help you identify areas where you need further clarification or follow-up.

You can find more information about the Cornell Note-taking method on websites like http://www.bucks.edu/~specpop/Cornl-ex.htm, http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/success/notes.html, http://wiki.43folders.com/index.php/Cornell_Notes, and http://www.clt.cornell.edu/campus/learn/LSC%20Resources/cornellsystem.pdf. These resources will provide you with guidance on how to effectively use this note-taking technique.

Remember, consistent practice and a focused mindset are key to improving your listening skills. Good luck!