How Do I Define Student Listening Skills?
Students are inclined to take listening skills for granted. They seem to assume that if their ears are not plugged with headphones, they are listening. It takes effort for a listener to stay focused, however. The average person can listen to 800 words a minute, but the average teacher speaks only 200 words a minute. (Reference 1) That leaves a lot of room for the mind to wander. Teachers can help their students by specifically defining these active listening skills. Focus. Active listening takes energy. Sitting slouched in the back of the room gives your brain permission to wander. Sit in the front and pay attention to your thoughts. Discipline your brain to remain on the speaker. Do not doodle, look for your gum, text or think about how hungry you are. (Reference 1) Involve yourself. Take notes. The act of writing will help you to concentrate. Asking questions can also help you to remain actively involved. Think about what the speaker is saying. Connecting the topic to things you alre
