favorite teachers listen more often than they speak.

if this sounds challenging, reframe this practice to include full context of your life.. as teachers, we carry the privilege of being regarded as intellectual authorities. our students are influenced by our thoughts, words, and perceptions indefinitely. you can’t learn while you are talking, and as an educator your practice will inevitably be harmed if you, yourself are no longer learning.

favorite teachers practice active listening. face your students when they speak, and whenever possible, cease typing or writing to listen as your pupil speaks. if you must continue moving, try and paraphrase back to your student what they’ve just told you.

i like to think of listening as a 3D practice that can take place even outside of class time.

you can stretch your ability to listen to your students by reviewing assignments with intention and reciprocating your students’ efforts. this does not have to be elaborate. some of my students draw when they have finished an assessment and are waiting for other classmates to finish. here’s an example of how i reciprocate, and listen in “3D”:

another form of 3D listening i use is giving surveys.

surveys allow me to gather insight on the headspace of my students and assure them that knowledge concerning their individual livelihoods is important to me. students should be given the option to answer anonymously if they like. publishing the results helps to close the feedback loop and encourages students to take subsequent surveys with seriousness. i give a version of this survey most grading periods.

and finally, as much as you can, build a culture of active listening within your classroom. i often use talking objects in my classroom as a physical reminder for my middle school students. ask your students to paraphrase the words of their classmates in non-threatening ways, and verbally reward those who are making strides to actively listen.