SLANT

SLANT is an acronym for a classroom strategy that offers a simple way for students to recall information. To successfully use the SLANT strategy, students must apply appropriate listening skills to understand what people are saying, increase attention span, and reduce the number of questions after listening to a speaker. The process improves personal relationships when people see that others are interested in what they have to say, and helps to reduce frustration over mistakes that result from misunderstandings.

Implementation

 

1. Describe the five steps in the strategy and the behaviors that each stage involves.
2. Provide examples and non-examples of behaviors that fulfill each step.
3. With respect to the "A" and "N" steps, explain the rules for asking questions or volunteering to participate in your classroom, e.g., you must raise your hand, quietly wait to be called on by name, lower your hand when someone else is called on, etc.
4. SLANT STEPS

• S means Sit up.
• L means Lean forward.
• A means Activate your thinking: ask yourself questions, answer your questions, ask questions of the speaker.
• N means Name key information: answer the speaker's questions, share ideas, comments or questions, add to others' statements.
• T means Track the speaker speaker with your eyes.

 

(after Cellis, 1991)

Classroom Management

 

1. Discuss the importance of listening and make a list of how to become a good listener. Introduce ideas about being a good listener especially the notion that the most important thing is listen with your ears and your brain.
2. Introduce the idea that when listening to a message, basic questions need to be answered: Who? What? When? Where?
3. Discuss what happens in a conversation when everyone is talking and no one is listening.
4. Discuss how a speaker can tell if a person is listening or not.
5. Using question-and-answer format, bring out the benefits described in this section "Why teach SLANT?"
6. Discuss when and where to use the strategy and how using this strategy will result in worthwhile conversations.
7. Provide many auditory and casual distractions (radio, fan, movie, etc.).