Are you listening to me?

"Are you listening to me?" is the infamous question that I can recall back to my young elementary school years. Not necessarily directed only to me but to all my fellow classmates. If I knew then what I know now the correct answer would probably be no! Right after recess or before lunch, when children are hyper, frustrated, over-heated, under-heated, distracted whatever the case may be, NO, they are not listening. Listening is a complex, interactive process by which spoken language is converted to meaning. My simplest definition is adhering and processing the words that are communicated to me. The four types of listening are discriminative, aesthetic, efferent and critical. Discriminative listening is when the individual elects by selection what he wants to listen to. For example, a lover's quarrel. Aesthetic listening is for sheer enjoyment, shall I go as far as stating that it is recreational. For example, listening to my favorite songs. Efferent listening is to retain information, for example, medical reports or data gathering for reporting. Critical listening is not only listening carefully but also forming concepts and engaging all processes of the brain. I confidently say that I utilize all four types of listening on the daily basis. When I am in class, I use my efferent and critical listening. As my day progresses, I use my discriminative listening when at home or in public places and I engage my efferent listening skills when I am listening to K-LOVE.

During the debate, I used my critical and efferent listening skills. It was a challenge to sit back and not take over the entire process of the team. A former debate team member in high school, I knew that our statements/facts were not solid enough to withstand the debate. Debating an issue is not won by being able to "argue" it is about the ability to present well-formed statements to persuade an audience using voice inflections to strengthen the points. It truly was a challenge but I was reminded of what I learned in debate team...listen and respond, do not react with the first words that pop into your mind. This will allow true substance to the arguments you form and will counter with. It is an art form that requires LISTENING, knowledge, controlled emotion and strategically used passion. Listening to the points offered truly became a moment of utilizing my aesthetic listening.

"Did anyone notice...?" is, thus far, the most important Teacher Talk. I believe that this method will allow the student to feel value placed on their input. Even in adulthood, speaking for myself, when I am comfortable and feel welcomed in my surroundings, I am motivated to participate and exchange ideas or whatnot. I truly believe that with young, impressionable children making them feel important and allowing them to know what is expected of them enables them to become comfortable in growing as people and developing as students.