Listening is a very powerful thing
Jumping to conclusion will lead to nowhere but listening will open up a whole new world.
I believe this is so true........it is so easy to jump to a conclusion and be judgmental. Very important to take a step back and try and get a handle on your emotions before proceeding and listening.
So many students just want to bend your ear if you will let them. By taking some time to listen to them and propose questions which encourage them to think and problem solve are going to assist them in the long run.
Pauline, how does one learn these skills? Does your institution have any in-service training on the topic?
Teachers must learn to be a good listener, sometimes teachers get so caught up in the everyday routine of class work, and lecturing, we forget how to be a good listener and listen with our hearts,being careful not to become consume with the students' problems.
I agree. By giving them your full attention, it lets them know you care.
I feel that when you listening to a student that's when you get a better understanding of that student. Their are student that just need somebody to listen to them. Just listening can help a person talk out their problem and they can also listen to their self speaking and might be abe to solve the problem themself from speaking out loud and not hole it inside. Because they can here some of the thing they're saying.
Janet, I think we all agree with you. Do you have any personal examples the results these tools produce?
Listening and showing that you really care is a very powerful tool when dealing with student issues.
Open-ended questions always seem to work for me--with students and family!
I do that too. When discussing something I would want them to put themselves in that position and think how would they react or behave if they have to handle or take decision on a particular situation. And students sure come out with some very creative and intelligent answers. And when you listen to them and praise them they feel good and cared about.
Lisa, how about sharing some of your most effective open ended questions.
Loren Kroh
Sometimes when I listen to my students, I can get to what they are really asking me. I try and create open ended questions so I do not get those famous one word answers. Instead open up avenues to converstaion. You never know what wonderful dialog might come about.
