Abstract:
Active listening requires concentration and effort from both students and teachers. It is not an automatic occurrence because numerous internal (listener-related) and external (speaker-related or environmental) distractions can create listening barriers. Students can be distracted by their own thoughts and feelings, something the teacher says, or the teacher's behavior and/or appearance. Some external listening barriers are environmental, such as noise, room temperature, lighting levels, visual distractions, and seating arrangements. Perhaps the greatest stumbling block to student listening is the one-sided nature of lecturing. To overcome these barriers, effective teachers use both visual and vocal aspects of communication, work to create an environment conducive to listening, and involve, react to, and interact with students during class. They are continually cognizant of three factors which shape the answer to the unspoken question. "Why should I listen?": student self-interest, teacher perception, and teaching style and technique. Most importantly, effective teachers work to develop and strengthen their own listening skills.
Keywords:
listening, teaching
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