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When a student has a hardtime understanding something; I try to break the information down.  I will listen to their questions and try to pharphase what they are asking.  I like to talk to my student's in a quiet enviroment.  I fell that asking questions, helps me understand what they understand and what they don't understand.

Not everyone will have the same opions but it is important that we all listen.

Make sure that the student can tell that you are actively listening and giving them enough time to say what they need to say. 

I learned about the strategies for active listening using both verbal and nonverbal communication. 

Apply more passive listening.

Good idea to ponder the question instead of immediately responding show that you were listening and being intentional with your answer.

Active listening is the best. Engaging the classroom is effective way to enhance knowledge and concepts that have been taught

It is imperative to be genuine and sincere when listening to a student's concerns and engage in eye contact 80% of the time during the interaction.

Listening without hearing or understanding is not effective listening.  Active listening includes understanding the speaker/student by showing through verbal and nonverbal communication that you are listening.  With nonverbal communication, it is important to focus on the student, keep physical barriers like desk from separating you from the speaker, do not stare, and allow the speaker time to talk without interrupting.  Verbal communication allows the listener to show that they understand what is being said to them and encouraging the student to speak.  Smile because you mean it.  

Nonverbal stuff that should be part of good practice:

Things to keep in mind: 

  1. Clear a space on your desk so all attention is focused on the student.
  2. Do not be tempted to look at other things, including documents, a computer screen, or a cell phone.
  3. Arrange chairs in a small circle and/or come out from behind a desk.
  4. Don't stare but make eye contact during the entire conversation. The listener should focus on the speaker about 80 percent of the time.
  5. In most cases, the student should do most of the speaking.
  6. Students will understand that you're giving a valuable commodity, your time 

Active listening is a vital skill that should utilized as part of being customer-oriented instructors. While students speak, instructors should show interest by giving them your undivided attention, verify what the student said, and ask questions. 

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