Final answer:
The recommended listening strategy for a friend who is distracted by their smartphone in class is active listening. This technique involves full engagement with the class, resisting distractions, participating in discussions, and asking questions when necessary to improve understanding and grades.
Step-by-step explanation:
The listening strategy I would recommend for your friend who can't seem to pay attention in class due to distractions from his smartphone is active listening. This approach will require him to fully engage in classroom activities, essentially putting away any electronic distractions, such as his smartphone, which can impede his capacity to listen and comprehend the material being taught.
Active listening involves focusing completely on the speaker, understanding their message, providing feedback, and withholding judgment. It's about being present in the conversation and fully digesting the information that is being shared. Considering the research that indicates students who avoid screen time during class perform better, your friend needs to practice this kind of listening to improve his attention span and ultimately his grades.
To be an effective active listener in class, your friend will need to resist the temptation to engage with his phone, participate in class discussions, ask clarifying questions, and provide feedback when appropriate. This will show that he is interested and actively involved in the learning process.