Active Listening. More Than Just Hearing Words
Active listening is more than just hearing words. It’s about being fully present, understanding meaning, and building deeper connections.
You know those moments when a student feels really heard?
When you paraphrase what they’ve said, or pause long enough for them to find their own words, and suddenly, you see it in their eyes: they feel seen.
Active listening can transform those moments. It teaches empathy, reflection, and patience, qualities we all want to nurture, both in our students and in ourselves.
Here are a few simple ways I like to weave it into lessons:
Paraphrase what my students say and invite them to do the same.
Pay attention to their body language, tone, and facial expressions.
Use pair work where one speaks, the other summarises.
Ask reflective questions after listening: What did you notice? What was left unsaid?
Give space for silence. It’s often where thinking happens.
I’d love to hear from you.
how do you help your students listen to understand rather than just listen to reply?
