Objective 2: Integrating Active Listening & A Discussion

We're listening all the time. Sometimes we're selective about what we listen to. Sometimes we can hear something, but not pay much attention to it. It's helpful to use a more proactive type of listening when you are helping someone learn something new. There's more to it than just listening to the words people say to you. You need to engage in very purposeful listening. This type of listening is referred to as active listening.

Your conversation partner is the focus of your attention during active listening. You have to turn off your inner dialog and listen to more than the words that are being said. You are listening to what they are saying and also observing how they are saying it. You pay attention to vocal components, facial expressions, and body language. You may also be aware of what they are not saying.

Think about a time when you were listening to the words someone was saying but you weren't really paying much attention to how they were being said. There may have even been things that were implied but not said.

Compare that to a time when someone truly listened to you–as an active listener. That person may have given you full attention, truly focused on what you said, or reflected on your feelings and emotions–not just the words! What was that like?

Share your two situations in a discussion and review the experiences of others.