You're struggling to engage your students. How crucial is active listening in the teaching profession?

Active listening is a basic skill that educators must use to get a better understanding of their students and their individual academic needs. This also sets an example to students of how they must engage and listen in class to their educators, which will encourage students to contribute more and engage with the lesson. This is because the students will realise that their educators value their contributions and will listen to their ideas.

Retaining students was a challenge until I adopted active listening. It's much more than hearing words; it's all about fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to their thoughts and perspectives. Once, a quiet learner shared her idea during a class session. I listened intently, asked follow-up queries, and respected her perspective. Her face lit up, and she became more participative and confident. By being present and avoiding enforcement of my methodology, I showed her that her voice mattered. This ideology transformed my classroom, giving birth to an environment where students felt valued and eager to contribute and participate. Active listening isn't just a skill; it's a bridge to deeper engagement , understanding and growth.

If you're struggling to engage your students, active listening is absolutely crucial. It helps you understand their needs, concerns, and interests, which can inform your teaching strategies and make your lessons more relevant and engaging. By actively listening, you also build stronger relationships with your students, fostering a more positive and interactive learning environment.

Establishing an effective feedback loop will encourage students to progress within their academic studies, as they will learn to realise the value of the feedback that is given to them and will begin to use this feedback to improve their academic performance and study skills. This allows educators to understand the individual needs of the students and feedback helps students to develop their self-reflection skills, by understanding their strengths and areas of improvement within their academic studies.

Active listening is a learning process for both you and your students. It offers insights into their thought processes, preferences, and learning styles, allowing you to tailor your teaching methods. By demonstrating active listening, you engage your students and equip them with a valuable lifelong skill. I use the basic trait of ICF coaching: active listening. Poor listening skills hinder excellence for both coaches and teachers. If you're an impulsive responder, work on it. Set a SMART goal to improve your listening skills. Podcasts are helpful as you can't interrupt; listen fully without breaks. Afterward, respond in a write-up or video log. This practice enhances your listening skills.