Teaching skills Highlight a game-changing skill for educators.In the education world one skill can set you apart from the rest and make you the most effective teacher in the room: active listening. While lesson plans, subject knowledge, and teaching tools are important, the ability to truly listen to your students can elevate your teaching and improve student outcomes.
Why Active Listening Matters
Active listening involves not only hearing what students are saying but also understanding their perspectives and responding thoughtfully. By engaging with your students’ ideas, concerns, and feedback, you foster a classroom environment where students feel valued and heard. This builds trust, encourages open communication, and makes it easier to address individual learning needs.
How Active Listening Enhances Your Teaching
When teachers actively listen, they can identify when a student is struggling with a concept, clarify doubts, and offer personalized support. It also helps in managing classroom dynamics, as students are more likely to behave respectfully when they feel their voices are genuinely considered. Moreover, active listening can help you adapt your teaching methods, making lessons more relevant and engaging for your students.
By mastering active listening, you become more than just an instructor you become a mentor who understands and meets the unique needs of each student. This small but powerful skill can make a significant difference in your effectiveness as an educator and in the success of your students.
In 2015, I concluded my illustrious career in computing as Professor Emerita at Lawrence Technological University. My journey began in radiation physics research before she made a successful transition to the IT industry, gaining experience across South Africa, the UK, and the US before ultimately entering academia. I am achieving her PhD in Computer Science under the mentorship of Dr. Daniel Teichroew at the University of Michigan. A passionate educator, I dedicated two decades to teaching at both the University of Detroit Mercy and Lawrence Technological University. Even after her retirement, I remain engaged as a Fulbright Specialist and author. An enthusiastic traveler, I embrace the idea that teaching is not only a craft but also a lifelong adventure.