Inactive listeners are usually uninvolved and disinterested in what a teacher or speaker is saying. They hear words, but do not assimilate them into rational concepts and ideas. Instead of being motivated by the subject and the desire to learn, they passively expect the teacher or speaker to motivate them to listen and to learn. An inactive listener usually has an excuse as to why he is not making better grades. Active listeners have a positive attitude toward the teacher's or speaker's subject content and are mentally involved in absorbing and assimilating the presented information.
Active listeners assume the responsibility to learn, and thus, are self-motivated learners.
They listen carefully and are focused on what the teacher or speaker is saying. Active learners get involved in the lesson because they have an insatiable desire to learn. Listening and notetaking complement each other. Notetaking is dependent on good, aggressive listening habits, and listening is enhanced when students take notes. It is normal for students to forget much of what they hear and see.