Level 1: Chapter 6

Learn the importance of and techniques for active listening

Listening that goes beyond asking questions or listening passively

Responding to people in a way that encourages them to talk and ask questions

Verbal and non-verbal elements

An appropriate setting - one that has some privacy, freedom from interruption, and minimal power differentials by sensitive use of furniture, etc.

Sitting or standing squarely, facing the other person.

An open posture. Leaning slightly towards the other person. Maintaining comfortable eye contact. Being relaxed.

Respect. Genuineness. Empathy, which includes not only the

ability to understand a person’s situation from his/her point of view, but also communicating that understanding. What is the difference between empathy and

sympathy? A non-judgmental attitude

Fear of not being taken seriously or being criticized is a powerful block to effective communication.

Allowing silence. Using minimal prompts (e.g.

‘mm…..uh-huh….I see’, and so on). Asking open-ended questions. Helping the student to be specific

and giving concrete examples.

Reflecting the listener’s understanding of what is being said through paraphrasing Proves to the speaker that his/her ideas

have been heard Gives the speaker an opportunity to

correct any misunderstandings about the message he/she is trying to convey

Summarizing at the end of the session, or when one topic is complete. This allows the tutor and tutee to: Restate what was done, how it was done,

and what still remains. Redirect discussion that has gone off topic Aid memory and help students focus on the

processes they have learned Check understanding

Summarize what the tutee is saying as you understand it, or rephrase information in your own words Gives tutee confidence that tutor is

listening and trying to understand him/her Helps focus tutee’s attention on important

information Check tutee’s understanding without

asking questions

Describe some ways tutors can use active listening techniques during a session. Include both verbal and non-verbal examples.

How can a tutor deal with a student who seems bored or frustrated?

How does paraphrasing help the tutee? How can it help the tutor?