How can you teach active listening in the nursing curriculum?

1 Define active listening

Active listening is more than just hearing what someone says. It involves paying attention, showing interest, reflecting, clarifying, summarizing, and responding appropriately. Active listening can improve communication, empathy, trust, and patient satisfaction. To teach active listening, you need to explain these components and how they differ from passive or selective listening. You can use examples, scenarios, or role-plays to illustrate the benefits and challenges of active listening in different situations.

2 Assess active listening skills

To help your students develop their active listening skills, you need to assess their current level of proficiency and provide feedback. You can use various tools to measure active listening, such as observation, self-report, peer review, or standardized instruments. For example, you can use the Active-Empathic Listening Scale (AELS) or the Active Listening Attitude Scale (ALAS) to evaluate your students' attitudes and behaviors related to active listening. You can also use rubrics, checklists, or rating scales to grade your students' performance on specific criteria.

3 Provide feedback and coaching

Feedback and coaching are essential to help your students improve their active listening skills. You need to provide constructive, timely, and specific feedback that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of your students' active listening. You can use the sandwich method, which consists of giving a positive comment, a suggestion for improvement, and another positive comment. You can also use coaching techniques, such as asking open-ended questions, giving examples, or demonstrating skills, to guide your students to find their own solutions and strategies.

4 Use simulations and games

Simulations and games are effective ways to teach active listening in the nursing curriculum, as they allow your students to practice their skills in realistic and engaging scenarios. You can use simulations and games to create different situations that require active listening, such as patient interviews, family meetings, or interdisciplinary consultations. You can use mannequins, actors, or virtual reality to simulate the environment and the characters. You can also use games, such as charades, telephone, or Chinese whispers, to challenge your students' active listening abilities and have fun.

5 Incorporate reflection and self-care

Reflection and self-care are important aspects of teaching active listening in the nursing curriculum, as they help your students to develop their awareness and resilience. You can encourage your students to reflect on their active listening experiences, such as what they learned, what they did well, what they struggled with, and how they felt. You can use journals, portfolios, or discussions to facilitate reflection. You can also teach your students to practice self-care, such as breathing, mindfulness, or relaxation, to cope with stress and prevent burnout.

6 Promote a culture of active listening

Finally, to teach active listening in the nursing curriculum, you need to promote a culture of active listening in your classroom and beyond. You need to model active listening yourself, by listening attentively, empathetically, and respectfully to your students and colleagues. You need to create a safe and supportive learning environment, where your students feel comfortable to express themselves, ask questions, and share feedback. You need to also encourage your students to apply their active listening skills in their clinical practice, their personal lives, and their professional development.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?