Great awareness Ashley. Sometimes it can be hard to listen when there are already preconceived notions of another individual fighting what they are communicating to us. What are some of the things that you do to clear any prejudgments or predeterminations regarding another individual to improve your listening abilities?
Shannon Gormley
Step outside our bubble, focusing on the needs of others rather than our prejudgments and predeterminations.
Michael, that is a great plan and removing those distractions can help so that you can truly listen to your students. Great job.
Shannon Gormley
I will do my best to avoid distracting environments when speaking to students.
Alexander, great job! Yes, people tend to feel more comfortable when someone calls them by name. It's something small, but can make a big difference.
Shannon Gormley
Avoid distractions, talk to the person using their name (people tend to reapond well to that).
I think by focusing on the individual and really reading their body language, expressions, mood and of course what they are saying.
Alexander, I love this! Yes, be present! It sounds so easy, but can be difficult because as you say, our brains are always going. Could you be more specific and give us some tips on how you "are present" in your conversations?
Shannon Gormley
Quite simply, I suggest to be present. From my vantage point, the biggest challenge to listening and seeing what is in front of you is that we are always thinking about too many things instead of focusing on the individual that is in front of us. Be present. I thought that the distinction between the three levels of listening was an excellent component of the module and I find that it is extremely useful as it allows me to frame the levels of listening.
Amy,
It sounds like you have a great understanding regarding the uniqueness of students and how listening to each and every student is important. This will allow you to build rapport with each and every student as well.
Shannon Gormley
I often remind myself that each student is their own person. Yes, many students have similar stories and problems, but each are different. I need to make sure I listen and not assume I already know the answer. I remember to put myself in their shoes and LISTEN!!!
Excellent awareness, Faye. Taking the time to explore your common interests with your student can go a long way to increasing your understanding of their situation as well as improve your connection. Keep it up.
I feel if I try to personally relate more to the student and find common ground I will be a better listener, and in return they will feel more important and better understood.
Love the example and the awareness that it has given you! It can be so hard sometimes to pause and allow your students the time to answer. It sounds like you will take this awareness forward with you as you continue to work to improve your listening skills. Good luck!
Excellent observation, Virginia. It can be difficult to not want to jump into the conversation with a solution to an issue or to demonstrate how you can help your student's situation. It sounds like you're willing to take a step back and allow your students the opportunity to share their stories and experiences.
It's so true, Virginia, and is great awareness for you to have. What might you do to improve your listening at the end of the day or when you have a number of items to accomplish?
The one thing I probably need to do most to improve my listening skills is to be more patient and wait for the other person to finish. Ironically, I love talk radio, but I figured out that what they do most often is interrupt their callers and without realizing it I started to do the same thing.
Yes I completely agree. When there is a lot to accomplish in a day you tend to get impatient.
The best action I could take to improve my listening skills would be to be less impatient to give my response, and wait till they are done.
Ah, this can be so challenging - especially when there is so much to accomplish in a day! It's great that you know that when you multi-task, it can take away from your ability to truly listen to another person and give them your full attention. This awareness will be very helpful as you work to improve your listening skills.
