What is the most common rule you "break" when listening to others?
Active listening requires at the very least understanding, acknowledgement and feedback (amongst other things). Admittedly, I have a bad habit of anticipating what a person is saying and finishing the sentence for him/her. This happens as a result of wanting the person to speak faster or take a more direct approach to getting to the point of the conversation. Takes deliberate effort to slow down and let people speak at their own speed use vocabulary/structure they're familiar with.
What active listening rules do some of you break?
I totally understand i have done this for years in the medical field because most people dont know the right words to say at times. I am going to have to change my approach to learning students.
thanks
Hi Pamela,
We all have our shortcomings. Just make it a point to always give the person you are listening to your undivided attention. Everyone likes feeling like they are important.
Patricia Scales
Hi Pamela,
We all have our shortcomings. Just make it a point to always give the person you are listening to your undivided attention. Everyone likes feeling like they are important.
Patricia Scales
Wow, I was just discussing this question with a few of my team members. The rule I break most often when listening is my nonverbal communication is very bad. At times, (well I cannot say at times I can say all the time) I am tempted to look at other things during he conversation. This does not mean I am not listening but that I have so much on my plate to complete that I really need to multi-take. However, I can see how this can give the impression that I am not listening or rushing. After reading this I realize that I there are many things in which I need to work on within myself to assure that my nonverbal communication is positive to my students/customers. Thanks for sharing.
sometimes i call on the same student too much, i will then avoid them for the next 15 minutes while i get the other students a chance to shine too!
I do the same thing, I tend to finish the speakers sentence for him or her to get to the point. I'm sure you have spoken to a person that goes in circles when they are speaking, what do you do then?
Hi Lee,
Circulate the room! The podium and desk can be used as a crutch. Let your students see you being very mobile. Being mobile helps with disciplinary problems.
Patricia Scales
My most common broken rule is that I am not always aware of me body language. Thru this lesson I learned to get from behind the desk and clear a spot for unencumbered listening.
Hi Noreen,
Half the battle is won, you understand your weakness and you are working on it. Continue to strive to overcome this weakness. This is a weakness a lot of us possess.
Patricia Scales
One of my weaknesses with listening is not always waiting for the other to finish their thought. I anticipate what I think that they are going to say and begin to form an answer. This is a bad rule to break, I understand this flaw of mine and work everyday to not do it.
Hi Gary,
Listening is key! You really get from students what you expect. Set the bar high and most students will rise to the occasion!
Patricia Scales
I think if we listen to the student needs and keep a high level of standards our student will not fail
Hi Peggy,
Listen to students fully, but you must not decrease standards to please the students. All students must be held to the same standards!
Patricia Scales
I try very hard to listen intently because my mother is hearing impaired, and she really doesn't listen to others. She is so intent on what she has to say that she doesn't listen to what the other person is saying. I have learned from her how to not listen correctly. I do; however, find myself from time-to-time being tired of listening to the same excuses from my students. It is important to remember that every student is unique, and they might have a different story. I have to be careful that I'm not too sympathetic or they think they don't have to complete some piece of the course work.
Hi Duane,
At least you know what to work on when listening to others. This is certainly a step in the right direction.
Patricia Scales
I too am guilty of thinking ahead and am working on this...the first step is being aware and slowing down.
Hi Clifton,
Listening is key! As educators we all need to work on being good listeners. Sometimes students simply need to be FULLY heard!
Patricia Scales
