LibGuides: Study Skills Resources: Active Listening

Develop Active Listening

Are you a good listener? Effective listening is one of the most important learning tools you can have in college or university. And it is a skill that will benefit you on the job and help your relationships with others.

Principles of Active Listening

The principles of active listening are not hard to understand, but they require practice to use them effectively.

Pay Full Attention: Clear your mind and focus solely on the speaker's words. Understand, rather than agree.
Repeat Back: Restate the speaker's words to ensure your understanding is accurate.
Seek Clarification: If unsure, ask questions to gain a deeper understanding, never assume.
Observe Nonverbal Cues: Pay attention to facial expressions, body language, and tone to capture the full message.
Identify Underlying Requests: Look beyond the surface of statements to uncover hidden requests or needs.

Dealing with Listening Challenges

Active listening in an academic setting can present unique challenges, such as dealing with fast speakers, heavy accents, or soft voices. These situations require specific strategies to ensure you're able to stay engaged and comprehend the material. There are proven strategies to help you navigate these issues and enhance your active listening skills. For a concise guide on tackling these challenges, visit the Are Your Really Listening page.

References

“Are you really listening” (n.d.). In College Success. https://open.lib.umn.edu/collegesuccess/chapter/4-3-are-you-really-listening/ University of Minnesota. CC BY-NC-SA.

Treasure, J. (2011). Five ways to listen better [Video]. TED Conferences. www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_5_ways_to_listen_better. CC BY-NC-SA.