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Listening Skills

Hearing and listening are two different processes. Listening is an active process. Students can sit in a lecture, hear everything but not gain an understanding of what they have heard. TQLR is a listening formula that will help you discipline yourself to listen effectively. It involves four steps.

T. Tune in

The first step in the listening formula involves preparing yourself for what will be said. Know the name of the lecture topic and preview the lecture by looking at any relevant set readings/textbook chapters wherever possible. Tuning in also involves making sure that you are comfortably seated, looking at the speaker, and ready to give your undivided attention.

Q. Question

The second step in the formula involves asking questions that centre around what the lecturer is trying to tell you.

  • Questioning is most important because by asking questions you involve yourself, and this involvement makes you listen more effectively.

L. Listen

You should try to anticipate what the speaker is going to say next. Have yourself think: 'This has just been said. Such and such should follow'. Then listen to check if your anticipations are correct.

R. Review

Listen for the structure of the lecture, identifying key points and sub-points. Listen for cues from your lecturer like:

  • This is important.
  • Firstly, secondly, finally.

The review step involves going back, summarising what has been said, comparing it with what you thought was going to be said, and evaluating the worth of what has been said. Good speakers and lecturers help with this step by giving a summary. Your task is still to evaluate and to fit what you have just learned with what you knew previously.

Source of information: Anderson, J, Katz, C, Durston, BH & Horton, A 1969, Study methods: a practical guide, McGraw Hill, Sydney.

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