Chapter 6 - Study and Critical Thinking Skills in College...

Study and Critical Thinking Skills in College
Part One: College: Strategies for Success
Chapter 6: Communication Skills for the Classroom
Listening Critically
Common Pitfalls in Critical Listening
• Avoid Closed Mindedness
• Avoid Selective Listening
• Avoid Oversimplifying Difficult or Complex Ideas
• Avoid Judging the Speaker Instead of the Message
Evaluating the Message
1. Identify the speaker’s main point or position on an issue.
2. Develop a mental outline of the speaker’s message.
3. Identify whether the speaker has supported his or her main point or position
with reasons and evidence.
4. Identify unanswered questions or opposing viewpoints.
Participating in Class
Preparing for Class Discussions
Read the Assignment
Ask Critical Questions
• How can I use this information? To what situations is it applicable?
• How does this information compare with other information I have read or learned
on the same topic?
• What is the source of the material?
• Is the material fact or opinion?
• What is the author’s purpose?
• Is the author biased?
• Is relevant and sufficient evidence provided?
Review: Make Notes for Discussion