What are the goals of the module?

Listening is a core interpersonal communication skill and a frequent activity across an array of communications in personal and professional settings. Listening can be optimized by gaining awareness of ineffective listening habits, and deliberately replacing them with a set of techniques and practices to enhance active listening and overall effectiveness in interpersonal and group communications.  This module will create awareness of habits that detract from active listening, and provide practical techniques for adopting more effective listening habits and practices.

Who is the audience for the module?

Mid-career faculty, aspiring faculty leaders and faculty administrators seeking to enhance or refresh  their skills

Why is the topic important?

The proper use of active listening can support effective communications through more precise comprehension of verbal statements as demonstrated through relevant, confirming responses, thereby  encouraging individuals and group members to participate and engage in discussions. This in turn lessens and/or corrects misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions, fosters the expression of diverse viewpoints, supports common understanding, and builds trust. 

Suggested options for module delivery

In-person workshop in small groups and pairs with discussion facilitated by a subject matter expert, including skill building through comparative, experiential learning exercises and scenarios, to be supplemented with readings/videos, reflective writing and/or practice guides.

Scenarios for discussion

Participant generated and/or hypothetical examples of non-effective and effective listening experiences. Role playing and practice using active listening techniques.

Resources for developing the module

• “The Art Of Listening Well.” Inc.com, Inc., 1 Oct. 1981, by Raudsepp, Eugene
• “Chapter 10/Creating Communication Climate.” Interpersonal Communication, Navigating Relationships in a Changing World, by Carrie C. Hutchinson, Macmillan Learning Curriculum Solutions, 2017
• Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others, by Steven Beebe, Susan Beebe and Mark Redmond, Pearson, 2017.

Recommended prerequisites

None.