Module 1: Eye Contact, Active Listening and Respect

Module 1 of the Generation Text Online Framework equips teachers with strategies and techniques to teach students the importance of eye contact, active listening and respect. Listening is a powerful skill. Are we teaching our students to listen before judging? What if we taught lessons on listening rather than being so intent on telling others about our own beliefs? Howie Long says it so eloquently.

"Standing for the anthem is something I would not choose to do, but I fully support the right to do it. That being said, what’s being lost in the criticism of the form of the protest is the message of inequality. Put it in perspective: As a white father having raised three boys, there were a million things to worry about on a daily basis. But it’s impossible for me to understand the challenges that an African-American father faces at every turn while raising his children. But in a league that is comprised of 70% African-American players, if you’re a white player in an NFL locker room, that puts you in a position to try to better understand those struggles, and, subsequently as we have seen, show your support for your teammates in your own way. Understanding starts with a dialogue, and the most important part of dialogue is to listen. Instead of ripping players for how they’re making their voices heard, take the time to actually listen to what they’re saying."