Listening without hearing or understanding is not effective listening. Active listening includes understanding the speaker/student by showing through verbal and nonverbal communication that you are listening. With nonverbal communication, it is important to focus on the student, keep physical barriers like desk from separating you from the speaker, do not stare, and allow the speaker time to talk without interrupting. Verbal communication allows the listener to show that they understand what is being said to them and encouraging the student to speak. Smile because you mean it.
