Listen for hints in class

Have you ever found yourself scribbling so fast during class that you’re not even sure what you’re writing anymore? You’re madly taking notes, trying to keep up, but then you realise you’ve missed something important. Maybe the teacher just gave away a clue about what might be on the exam… and it went straight over your head.

We’ve all been there. It’s what I call survival mode note-taking. And when you’re in it, you’re not really listening, let alone comprehending. You’re just reacting.

But what if there was a better way?

💡The Shift: From frantic scribbling to focused learning

There’s this idea called the 80/20 classroom rule. Spend 80% of your time listening and 20% writing. I know, it sounds completely unrealistic at first. You’re probably thinking, sure, I’ll try that right after I learn to write at lightning speed.

But here’s the thing. If you do a little prep before class, it actually becomes possible. Not perfect. Just better.

👌Here’s how to make it work

If you read the topic in advance and prepare a few key headings or notes before the lesson starts, you’re no longer starting from zero. Your brain has a framework to plug new information into. You’ll feel more confident, less panicked, and you’ll have more space to listen for the important stuff, like the hints.

Because here’s the secret: many teachers give away exam clues without even realising.

They repeat something twice. They pause for longer. They say, “You’ll want to remember this.” That’s your moment to tune in. But if you’re so focused on copying every word, you’ll miss it.

Try this in your next class

1. Skim the topic the night before. Just 10 minutes of previewing can help.
2. Set up headings or key questions in your notebook ahead of time.
3. Aim to listen more than you write. You won’t get it perfect, but the intention helps.
4. Watch for voice changes, repetition or strong emphasis. That’s usually a hint.
5. Circle, star or highlight in the moment, rather than writing down every detail.

You can always fill in gaps later from the textbook, asking your teacher for clarification or chatting with a friend. But you can’t go back and catch a teacher’s casual exam clue once it’s gone.

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