Listening Is a Skill
What do you do to help students get better at it?
⚠️ You have free article remaining.
Log in or become a member for unlimited access.
Listening is a radical act. How do students get better at it? I tell my students to savor the pitch, volume, tone, tempo, and rhythm of each person’s voice. Paying attention to these vocal qualities helps reveal the emotions behind the speaker’s words and their intended message.
—Cory Young, Ithaca College
In my construction management class, I teach students to slow down, be fully present, and focus on the speaker without distractions. We practice real-life scenarios in which they must pick up on critical details, like safety concerns or client priorities, and then repeat back what they heard to confirm understanding. In construction, listening isn’t passive; it’s an active skill that helps you catch issues early, build trust, and lead effectively. That’s how you transform listening into a strategic advantage.
—Akilah W. Darden, The Darden Group
I incorporate improv activities into my classes to help students get better at listening. For instance, I ask students to jointly create a story from an initial prompt. Students work in pairs. First one student contributes a single word or sentence. Then the second student, having carefully listened to their partner, adds one word or sentence. Students alternate turns to cocreate the story.
—Selena Kohel, Roosevelt University
In my international negotiations class, I include an activity that helps students develop active listening skills. I provide a controversial topic, and students ideally pair with someone who holds a different perspective. One student speaks for two minutes without interruption while the other listens attentively. Afterward, the listener must summarize what was said, and the speaker confirms whether their views were accurately represented. Then they switch roles. This exercise quickly reveals how challenging active listening can be and reinforces that it is a skill requiring intentional practice.
—Shannon Peterson, Utah State University
I help students strengthen their listening skills by framing compassionate listening as central to both learning and community. I use activities such as “looping”—a practice in which students restate what their peer has said before adding their own perspective—to guide them in dialogic listening and speaking. This enables students to gain empathy and build stronger relationships.
—Charlize Wang, Ohio State University
In my in-person classes, we practice reflective listening through a “rose and thorn” activity. Working in pairs, each participant shares a “rose,” something they found meaningful in the assigned reading, and a “thorn,” something they found concerning or challenging. “Roses” often connect to past experiences or spark new thinking; “thorns” raise critiques, questions, or discomfort. Each student reflects back what they heard, then asks for consent to share with the larger group. When they share, it’s their partner’s rose and thorn—not their own. This practice builds listening skills, encourages thoughtful dialogue, and fosters a respectful classroom environment throughout the term.
—Kim McAloney, Oregon State University
We can help students develop and improve their listening skills by being a good role model. As instructors, it’s helpful to speak less in class and listen more. I try to resist responding immediately to every point each student makes in a classroom discussion. I instead nod thoughtfully and wait before speaking.
—Wendy Amato, University of Virginia
“Listening is not a passive activity. It is the most active thing you can do,” said Julian Treasure in his Ted Talk, “5 Ways to Listen Better.” I foster intentional, active listening by teaching my students to make eye contact, paraphrase what they hear, and ask thoughtful questions. Fostering listening skills helps my students strengthen their focus, comprehension, and engagement across all areas of learning.
—Elizabeth Kuhns-Boyle, Community College of Allegheny County
Listening is more than just hearing; it’s a cognitive workout that builds memory, focus, and empathy. For educators, the goal isn’t just to get students to hear but to understand. This means creating a culture where listening is taught, modeled, and practiced in our everyday work and learning. I use storytelling, peer sharing, and reflective dialogue to make listening meaningful. I encourage students to respond, question, and connect ideas. When we treat listening as a skill, not just a behavior, we empower our students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and lead with empathy. Listening is powerful.
—Kelly Gallant, KG Consulting
Illustration by Edmon de Haro
Exclusive Content
Subscribe to unlock all issues and articles
You have reached the maximum number of free views. Please login or become a member to continue reading.