Study and Critical Thinking Skills in CollegePart One:College:Strategies for SuccessChapter 6:Communication Skills for the ClassroomListening CriticallyCommon Pitfalls in Critical Listening•Avoid Closed Mindedness•Avoid Selective Listening•Avoid Oversimplifying Difficult or Complex Ideas•Avoid Judging the Speaker Instead of the MessageEvaluating the Message1.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 positionwith reasons and evidence.4.Identify unanswered questions or opposing viewpoints.Participating in ClassPreparing for Class DiscussionsRead the AssignmentAsk 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 learnedon 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