The best educators know that being a good listener is a key tenet of the teaching profession. Teaching strategies that include listening are key to the educational process.
So how do we develop good listening skills? Today on TeachHUB.com we examine how to foster good listening skills. Janelle Cox, a frequent contributing writer to both the website and TeachHUB Magazine, today examines helpful teaching strategies that can help put us on the way to becoming better listeners.
Janelle’s ideas include asking yourself:
- What is an Active Listener?
- How are Your Listening Skills?
- And More!
Janelle also outlines a couple ways to become a better listener, including:
- Focus on the student speaking and don’t let your mind wander or multitask. If you find that you are not focusing, then try and bring your attention back on the student and focus your attention to the students’ lips moving.
- Check your body language to ensure that it isn’t sending out any wrong signals. Make sure your eyes are focused on the students’ face, your hands on not waving around or in a position of aggravation, and that you are showing the student that you are interested in what they have to say.
Janelle sums up her article like this: “Becoming a “Listening” teacher is a great way to build a meaningful relationship with your students. It will not only improve your teaching, but the way that your students learn as well.”
Are you an active listener? Please feel free to leave your teaching strategies, thoughts, and comments in the comment section, we would love to hear from you.
