Plain Sailing In Schools

There is little doubt that a key role of being a teacher is to listen carefully to what the students have to say. However, most research based on classroom observations suggests that there is often a lack of quality time for teachers to listen. This may be due to time constraints and the pressure felt by teacher to do most of their teaching through speaking, but it is also partially because they haven’t learned how to listen effectively.

Naturally, there are many occasions when teachers have an opportunity to hear a student speak, including their formal responses to open-ended questions, class discussions, and informal conversations. If teachers are convinced that young people learn through the process of expressing their thoughts and benefit from being taken seriously by the teacher, then quality time spent listening to them is more than justified.

The art of listening does not come naturally to everyone. We all have to persevere to become good listeners as it is a very important element of good communication, and ultimately is a vital teaching skill for every teacher.

As teachers, it is important to recognise that:

• young people have important things to say;
• it is courteous and polite to listen carefully;
• it models appropriate behaviour for the students to emulate;
• it enables teachers and other adults to learn more about what the students know and understand;
• other students learn from what their peers say;
• an adult at school may be the only person in the student’s life prepared to show an interest in them;
• young people need opportunities to talk about their interests, concerns and opinions;
• every young person appreciates an attentive adult;
• it helps to deepen the relationship between the teacher and the student.

It would be unfair to say that only teachers prefer to talk rather than listen to what others have to say, as this is probably preferable for most adults in whatever walk of life. However, there is little doubt that listening has to be learned and practised. Furthermore, it is possible for teachers to actually stop hearing, because their minds are elsewhere. The brain needs to be alert and focused for quality listening to take place. Listening relies on both self-discipline and being convinced that the speaker has something worth hearing.

In order for teachers to become better listeners, they need to be able to minimise any possible distractions. Distractions can come from the immediate environment, from the listener’s mind, and from the speaker. These distractions can be reduced by employing certain strategies. The teacher needs to be able to shut out environmental distractions and concentrate on the student’s words. By closely following the words, the teacher can mentally summarise the key points. Keeping eye contact can also help to minimise distractions.

TIPS TO HELP TEACHERS BECOME BETTER LISTENERS

• Develop a real interest in the speaker and what he/she has to say

• Try not to pre-empt what the speaker is going to say and fill the unspoken words

• Try to think carefully about what the words mean to the speaker

• Mentally, summarise the key points and ideas that the speaker is expressing

• Concentrate on the words and ideas that are being expressed

• Ask questions for further clarification of what is being said

• Try to understand what meaning is being conveyed beyond the actual words

• Listen with an open mind and don’t jump to conclusions

• Repeat key phrases every so often in a tone that conveys interest

• Use effective oral responses, such as “I see” or “Yes of course”

• Look directly at the speaker with reassurance

• Try not to contradict or argue with what the speaker is saying

• Allow the speaker to confirm, clarify or modify the key points

If you would like to add any points to this list or share your views on being a good listener, then it would be great to hear from you. Just leave a response here.

If you need further help with your listening skills, then please do get in touch with me or try the free interactive coaching session, by clicking on the blue banner on the homepage. I look forward to hearing from you.