by Linda G. Tessler, Ph.D., Psychologist, Bryn Mawr, PA

Continued from previous page

As you listen, it's a good idea to use visual aids. That is, use markers to highlight, star or circle important information. Then, do something with the information. For example, you may find it helpful to draw a concept chart. Whatever you do will make it easier to build on the next layer of information. Also, let repetition be part of your listening habit. Not everything must be repeated. But re-wind to important or difficult sections and listen again if it helps.

Finally, be organized. Those of us with learning disabilities need a place – a basket or backpack – to keep our paraphernalia, including the tape recorder, the current and next tape on our agenda, earphones, pencil, highlighter, notebook, post-it pads, and especially spare batteries. More than one tape recorder is ideal in case one breaks. The point is, once we start to concentrate, it's important that nothing interrupts our concentration.

In my professional practice I've made converts out of many students who were convinced books on tape could not work for them. I have helped them get comfortable with the tape recorder and discover their optimum "Activity-Listening" mode. They now agree that, while learning is never easy, books on tape will be your best friends if you take the time to make the friendship work.

Article Summary

1. Be An Active Listener
Before you begin to listen to the book look to see what you’re reading. Use the clues — titles, sub-titles, pictures.

Add Visual Learning
Have a Magic Marker in hand to highlight, star or circle important information/names, dates, places, key information.

Add Kinesthetic Learning
Write a summary or draw a concept chart of what you are reading.

Add Auditory Learning
Use the re-wind key. Listen to important sections again.

2. Avoid the Organizational Pitfalls
We need a lot of things to read. Use a basket or backpack or having a reading corner in your room.

Keep there the tape recorder, the next tape you need to listen to, earphones, pencil, highlighter, notebook and a spare battery.

Have more than one tape recorder if one breaks.

The tape recorders are not heavy duty. Try not to drop them. Zip up the case so that when you walk around it doesn’t drop out.

3. Things To Be Aware Of
The more books you listen to the better listener you’ll be.

Each time you listen to a tape there is a warm up phenomenon. In other words you are going to be a better listener after 20 minutes than you are after 5 minutes.

Get a new listener turned on by making sure they listen to something fun. Give them a short fun book.

©Copyright Tessler, Summer, 1998

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