In class
Buzz for a second with your nearest neighbour(s) on what you think makes a good and active listener
Pairs
Each person introduces themself as a famous person, and the other person tries to figure out who the other part is. This is done through the repetition and paraphrase of what the first person says, and through questions for clarification. The idea is to have a proper dialogue, not a guessing competition. Both parties should be attentive of each other and maintain a friendly tone
New pairs
The younger person in the pair begins a story about a recent news item. The second person responds to every statement with a “Yes, but …” and completes a fitting counter statement. The first person comments, and after about a minute the second person should respond with a ”Yes, and?” and wait for a relevant reply. Switch roles, and try the exercise again.
New pairs
The first person tells the other person about their hobby or interesting spare time activity. The second person is absolutely silent.
Active listening
… is a special aspect of communication. It requires the listener to provide feedback to the speaker. An essential element in active listening is asking constructive questions to take the conversation forward. Active listening enhances good relationships and builds up cooperation. It increases the group members’ understanding of each other and of the texts and tasks they are working with.
Active listening
Key elements in active listening:
- Be attentive to what is said AND to the speaker.
- Signal that you are interested.
- Maintain a good tone in the conversation.
- Repeat/summarize what you hear (in parts).
- Paraphrase the main points of what you hear.
- Reflect on what you hear.
- Reflect on how it makes you feel.
- Request clarification if necessary.
- Ask open-ended or probing questions.
- Respond appropriately.