STRATEGIES TO EMPOWER STUDENTS TO BECOME ACTIVE LISTENERS

 Active listening is an essential skill that can help students become better learners and communicators. 

1. Be fully present in the conversation: Encourage students to focus on the speaker and avoid distractions.
2. Show interest by practicing good eye contact: Eye contact is a powerful nonverbal cue that can show the speaker that you are engaged and interested in what they are saying.
3. Notice (and use) non-verbal cues: Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice can provide valuable information about the speaker’s emotions and intentions.
4. Ask open-ended questions to encourage further responses: Open-ended questions can help students gain a deeper understanding of the topic and encourage the speaker to share more information.
5. Paraphrase and reflect back what has been said: Paraphrasing can help students clarify their understanding of the topic and reflect back what has been said to show that they are actively listening.
6. Listen to understand rather than to respond: Encourage students to listen with an open mind and avoid interrupting the speaker or formulating a response before they have finished speaking.
7. Withhold judgment and advice: Encourage students to avoid judging or giving advice until they have fully understood the speaker’s perspective.
8. Focus on the intent and purpose of the conversation: Encourage students to focus on the main purpose of the conversation and avoid getting sidetracked by irrelevant details.
9. Pay attention to body language: Body language can provide valuable clues about the speaker’s emotions and intentions.