Discussion

What makes a great listener?

Consider the question for a few minutes. Think of the things that you do when you are actively listening – both positive and negative.

Then, decide which strategies might be considered positive and which ones might be considered negative. Recognizing which listening habits contribute to better communication can help us become better listeners.

What strategies do you use? How do they make you a better listener?

Task 1: Listening checklist

Take a moment to consider the best listening strategies from the Minds On section to make a Listening Checklist to refer to.

Task 2: Checking for clarity

The difference between hearing and listening is the thinking we use!

We want to be sure that we are listening to the person speaking. As you consider what is being shared, consult your Listening Checklist to help you understand and clarify the meaning of the information.

Complete one of the two options:

Option #1:

If you are working independently, choose one of the statements and prepare a response. Record your response using an audio recording. Once completed, play back the clip and consider the response you gave. Determine which of the strategies you used as the listener. Refer to the checklist and review the points that make a good listener.

Now choose a different statement to respond to and record your response. This time consider your recorded response and apply strategies that you didn’t use when listening to the first response. Did those new strategies help make a better listening experience? Which strategies do you feel helped you as a listener?

Option #2:

If you are working with a partner, each of you will choose one of the statements and prepare a response. Each partner will take turns speaking and listening. Determine which of the strategies you used as the listener. Refer to the checklist and review the points that make a good listener.

Now each partner will choose a different statement to respond to. This time apply strategies that you didn’t use when considering your partner’s first response. Did those new strategies help make a better listening experience? Which strategies do you feel helped you as a listener?

Prompts:

• School should only be 3 days a week.
• Why do I have to brush my teeth?
• Why can’t I drive in Grade 6?
• Why do I have to make my bed?
• Summer vacation should be 3 months long.
• If I could re-design the Canadian flag it would look like…

Let’s review!

When you applied strategies from the checklist, did you find the information shared easier to understand? What else could you have done to ensure you were an attentive listener?

Summarize your response

We have had a few opportunities to practice our active listening skills before and during oral opportunities. It is now time to show off your after-listening skills!

Use your after listening strategies to monitor your understanding.

Now is your opportunity to show that you were able to understand what was shared. You can create using the template below, a computer, a descriptive audio clip, a detailed written description, speech to text software, or a method of your choice to demonstrate your thinking.

Complete the Partner Summary Chart in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

If possible, share your summary and discuss how your before, during, and after listening skills helped you organize the information shared with you.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel…

I have an excellent understanding of the concepts I have a very good understanding of the concepts I have some understanding but need to review some more my understanding of the concepts needs a lot more work

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.