Read, Listen then Challenge” is part of our Student-Athlete Resource Space program. Students read a chapter or 10 pages of a book, answer two fact-based questions that pertain to that passage, then listen to the same passage in an audiobook, then answer the same fact-based questions to see if they get the same answers. Afterward, they get a trick question that challenges the content that they just read and heard and then articulate the right answer. This process continues until the entire book is read and listened to. 

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Here’s an example:

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• Read the first 10 pages of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

• Answer Question 1: Who was Alice sitting next to on the bank?  A. Her sister

• Answer Question 2: Where did the rabbit keep his watch?  A. In its waist-coat pocket

Record the student's answers.

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• Listen to the first 10 pages of the audiobook version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

• Answer the same 2 fact-based questions

Record the student's answers to see if they are the same.

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• Articulate the trick “challenge the content” question or fact: Suddenly, a white rabbit with blue eyes ran close by her. 

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The students must recognize that the fact is incorrect and say the right answer: “the rabbit's eyes were red, not blue”

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Reading a physical book and listening to the audiobook are two different paths that lead to the same learning destination. Each creates differing experiences and memories, but neither is better or worse than the other. However, when combined, students get a better advantage in understanding the content. Students also become better listeners when they train themselves to listen more critically.

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Effective listening is important in sports, and being able to communicate is vital. When students can articulate a fact verbally, it shows that they are knowledgeable in the subject, and is confident in expressing it. This skill translates onto the field resulting in superior play and performance.