Active Listening
Do you ever find yourself in a conversation and realize you are not even sure what the topic of discussion is? It is embarrassing to get caught. When it happens in class, it can be devastating.
Our students often struggle in school to actively listen to class discussion, directions, and lectures. When called on to answer a question or participate in a discussion, they often find they have nothing to contribute. Upon investigation, it is usually not because they do not know the information, but rather the problem is that they do not know what has been said. They may have heard it, but they did not listen to it.
Effective communication is the responsibility of both the speaker and the listener. The speaker should be careful to:
· Speak slowly to allow students to process
· Speak with clearly articulated words
· Gauge the interest level of his audience
· Change the inflection in his voice
The listener should be careful to:
· Repeat in his head the words of the speaker
· Look at the speaker and make eye contact
· Ask good questions when the time is right
· Jot down key words, phrases, or thoughts
Working on these skills at home will help your child learn the strategies in a comfortable environment, and his ability to listen will more easily transfer to school and other settings. Model good listening for your child, and help him develop these life skills. –Nancy Harrison, Assistant Head of School
