What is active listening, types and techniques to improve it

Active listening is a fundamental skill in the education realm that promotes effective communication between teachers and students, fosters empathy and contributes to creating an inclusive learning environment. In this article, we'll explore what active listening is, the types that exist, and the best techniques for developing it. 

What is active listening? 

Active listening is a conscious practice that consists in listening to understand and not just to hear. It falls into the category of empathic listening, as it requires full attention, empathy and the ability to put oneself in the other person's place. 

In simple terms, active listening implies concentrating completely on the message of the interlocutor, leaving aside distractions, judgments or one's own thoughts. A key technique for practicing active listening is paraphrasing, which ensures that the message has been understood correctly. 

Characteristics of active listening 

This practice has the following characteristics:

1. Use of open-ended questions: They help to deepen the conversation and to better understand the interlocutor.
2. Paraphrasing and summarizing: Repeating or summarizing the message to confirm understanding.
3. Absence of judgment: Setting aside personal biases to listen with an open mind.
4. Patience and full attention: Listening without rushing to interrupt or respond.
5. Positive nonverbal communication: Maintain eye contact, nod your head, and adopt receptive body language.
6. Elimination of distractions: Provide full attention to the interlocutor without using the mobile phone or other devices. 

Types of active listening 

There are various types of active listening. In the realm of education, these are the most relevant. 

1. Reflective listening: It focuses on deeply understanding the speaker's message and returning them a summary of what you listened to.
2. Empathic listening: Seeks to connect emotionally with the other person. In the classroom, this can help students feel understood, especially in times of stress or conflict.
3. Appreciative listening: It consists in valorizing the content of what is said, whether it is a story, an argument or a creative idea.
4. Critical listening: Though less common in the classroom, it is useful for evaluating information or arguments in debates or projects. 

What are the techniques to improve active listening? 

Active listening is one that can be developed and perfected with constant practice. Here are some key techniques to achieve this: 

Avoid interruptions 

Instead of interrupting with comments or ideas of your own, listen carefully until the other person finishes speaking. For example, if a student explains why they did not complete an assignment, allow them to finish before offering advice or solutions. 

Listen without issuing a judgment 

In an educational setting, it is important to avoid prejudices. If a student gives a controversial opinion, instead of refuting it right away, you can say, "Interesting perspective. Can you explain it in more detail?". 

Paraphrasing 

Repeating what someone has said in other words helps ensure that the message was understood correctly. For example, if you are a parent and your child tells you that he/she is stressed about exams, you might answer "You seem to feel overwhelmed with all that you have to study, right?". 

Demonstrate positive nonverbal communication 

Eye contact, facial expressions, and body posture all play an important role in active listening. For example, gestures such as nodding your head while a student speaks builds trust and reinforces interaction. 

Ask specific, open-ended questions 

You can also resort to asking open-ended questions: 

1. "What do you think of this activity?"
2. "How does this challenge make you feel?"
3. "What do you think that we could do together to improve this situation?" 

What are the benefits of active listening in education? 

Practicing active listening in the classroom offers multiple advantages for both teachers and students: 

1. Fosters confidence: Students feel that their ideas and emotions are valued.
2. Improves learning: Listening actively allows teachers to better identify the needs and strengths of the students.
3. Develops social skills: Students who observe active listening learn to replicate it in their personal interactions.
4. Reduces conflicts: Listening without judgment helps resolve misunderstandings and promotes an environment of harmony. 

Discover more free resources 

Active listening not only improves communication in the education ambit, but also fosters a positive and inclusive learning environment. Applying the aforementioned techniques and strategies not only strengthens the relationship between teachers and students, but also enriches the teaching and learning process. If you are interested in more advice to improve coexistence and the climate in the classroom, check out the free resources offered by the Wiese Foundation here: https://www.fundacionwiese.org/calidad-educativa