Listen first
Sometimes it is helpful to quiet our preconceived notions notions and biases. Try not to be mentally developing a response before we have completely listened to a student's concerns. Practice active and proactive listening.
I have always learned hearing and listening are two different things. When can hear but it does not move us to act. When we listen, we take in what the sender has to say and then we are able to respond appropriately that is beneficial to the sender. I have found these two principles very appropriate as an instructor or in everyday life. As the patient listener you really get to hear what the sender is saying and what they mean, you can also observe body language to get the true intent of the message sent. Upon thoroughly listening you are able to respond to their needs distincly and both of you walk away satisfied from the conversation. However if you are just hearing you are not focused on what the presenter is offering and when it comes time for you to speak you totally erode their presentation and embelish on the subject you want to which may not be what the sender needs at that time.
Sometimes as a student and a mother listening is all that is truly being requested. Just taking the time to listen says a lot to the other person. As instructors we must always make the effort to lend an open ear to each student. Just knowing that there is someone who will listen and not judge will makes all the difference in the world.
The golden rule"treat others how you want to be treated."Everyone has things that come up! If you don't listen, how can you even help?
The greeting phase of the 8 phases in this lesson is very important. How we approach people has a lot to do with how they respond to us, and how much they trust to open up. Actively listening is the next key to identifying the core of their issue, but if you mess up that greeting, you might not get the chance to listen to much. Our institution has not to my knowledge done any training to improve listening and questioning skills. It is a suggestion I will make though.
It is a very important learned behavior to “listen†when someone talks to us! So many times we just go through the motions of pretending to listen when in fact we have answers already to go when the other party is done talking. This will lead to an instant ‘disconnect†between you and the person you are trying to help. I try to listen for “key†indicators, words that keep coming up, to help me formulate the proper and correct response. And if possible, try to point out to them these indicators so that they can take a better look
I agree, it’s through the listening process that we establish the initial bond. If the student perceives that we are genuinely listening they will open up. If not we will create barriers that will keep them from discussing their situation
Listening first can give the student the oppertunity to voice his/hers troubles without interuption. This can help in a way to let them hear themselves. At times i have had students who just wanted to have the time to speak their mind.
I believe that as humans we all have the same basic need and that is to be heard by others.
I totally agree. Taht is the only way you can really help the person.
There are many ways to listen it is not always what is said but how it is said. I frequently watch the body language of the student and another thing is to notice a difference in thier attendance early and grades these are all indicators that you may have to listen with her eyes and more so than your ears.
I believe that many people who have chosen teaching as their career do so because of the intangible benefits - like helping students learn important technical skills but also overcome barriers to success. Often that requires the patience to learn what about the challenge before giving a rote answer.
Not to sound obnoxious, we do have two ears and one mouth. Many in our profession forget that we can learn as much from our students as they can from us. We must continuously keep our ears open to the concerns and quiries of our pupils. I have found ways to present material, curb my annoyance with certain behavor and schedule tutorial time after listening to individual students, voicing their frustrations with school work schedules and life....
I agree. Sometimes it is important to just let the student freely express all concerns. I had a college professor in educational psychology that told us to allow a student to vent all he/she wanted for the first several minutes. After the student was able to vent a little, she told us to try and identify the real issues that student expressed and then work on the issues that really mattered to the student.
Bennett
If we are honest with ourselves we all can remember that teacher or instructor who cared enough to help with something, at the time we felt was impossible to do. That's why it is so important to hear stories from others to remind us that it was not so long ago we needed help. I am forever grateful to those who cared enough about me to see my potential and poured into me the confidence needed to finish the course.
The only way to really help a student in need is to listen to everything they have to say. They may not be experts in communication and you may have to pick out key words to put it all together.
I remember a professor who changed my life just by listening. Don't ever take for granted the simple act of keeping quiet while hearing exactly what the student is saying.
Listening is the key. It is important if you want to get to the root of the problem.
Do you have useful techniques to bring out the core of a student's issue? Does your institution do training to improve listening and questioning skills?
Thanks for reminding us of how much influence we can have when we work students - particularly those who are struggling with their skills and self-confidence.
It is always helpful (not only sometimes) to enter each interaction with a student without preconceptions nor bias. Listening intently to their concerns is a skill that is absolutely necessary for any instructor or professor.
