Educational context: Further Education

Target learners: Further education students studying PLC course on communications in Whitehall college Dublin

Learning design approach: ABC Learning design

Timing 90 minutes online course.

Session learning outcomes

At the end of this session students will be able to

1. Demonstrate listening skills appropriate to working under general direction.

2. To include making eye contact, receiving and interpreting information.

3. control of personal response

4. Understand and apply active listening techniques in different contexts.

5. Identify common barriers to effective listening.

6. Practice summarizing, questioning, and other techniques to demonstrate active listening.

• Visual: Opening slide with “Welcome to Active Listening Skills: A 90-Minute Asynchronous Class.”

• Text/Narration: "In this class, we’ll explore the fundamentals of active listening and practice techniques to become more effective listeners."

• Activity: Learners watch a 3-minute introductory video explaining active listening (with examples of poor and effective listening).

• Activity: A downloadable handout summarizing key points about active listening is provided for learners to reference throughout the course.

Timing 10- minutes

resources, YouTube video, downloadable handout

• Visual: Interactive infographic or animated presentation illustrating listening barriers (e.g., distractions, bias, emotions).

• Activity: Learners complete a short self-reflection quiz to identify their own listening barriers. Questions might include:

  • What typically distracts you during conversations?

  • Do you find yourself interrupting others? If so, why?

• Activity: Immediate feedback is provided after the quiz, offering tailored advice based on the learner's responses.

Timing 15 minutes

resources: google slides, quiz

• Visual: Slide presentation demonstrating key techniques, with step-by-step breakdowns (e.g., paraphrasing, asking open-ended questions, nodding).

• Text/Narration: "Effective listeners demonstrate they understand by summarizing the speaker’s points, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting feelings."

• Activity: Learners are presented with short audio clips (1-2 minutes each) and asked to complete a multiple-choice quiz that tests their ability to summarize or paraphrase the content.

• Feedback: Immediate feedback is provided with explanations of correct responses and advice on improving listening comprehension.

Timing 10 minutes

Resources google slides, audio clips, quiz

• Visual: Text-based forum titled “What Are Your Biggest Listening Challenges?”

• Activity: Learners are asked to post a response (100-150 words) about a recent situation where they struggled with active listening. They should reflect on how they could apply the techniques learned. (padlet)

• Activity: Learners are required to respond to at least one peer's post with suggestions or thoughts, facilitating collaboration and peer learning. (padlet)

Timing: 15 minutes

Resources: reflection template

• Visual: Audio clip of a simulated conversation (3-5 minutes) where a person describes a complex issue or situation.

• Activity: Learners listen to the clip and then in parts discuss and write a 2-3 sentence summary of the key points, focusing on identifying the speaker's main message and emotions.

• Activity: Learners compare their summary to other students examples available to them through word doc.

Timing: 30 minutes

Resources. audio clip, word doc

• Visual: Closing slide with instructions for a final reflective activity.

• Activity: Learners complete a reflective exercise where they:

  • Write a short paragraph about which listening technique they found most helpful and how they plan to apply it in future conversations.

  • Outline a specific scenario (work, school, personal life) where they will apply their improved listening skills.

• Optional: Learners can submit their reflection for instructor feedback or peer review.

Timing 10 minutes

Resources google slides, reflection template

Canva. (n.d.) [Online] Available at: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGS_S9YdjQ/4jr6smI7HMX2T8BcT051Tw/edit?utm_content=DAGS_S9YdjQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton [Accessed 14/10/2024]

Canva. (n.d.) [Online] Available at: https://www.canva.com/templates/EAFjMNdbPbY-pink-modern-communication-skills-infographic/ [Accessed 13/10/2024]

OpenAI (2024). ChatGPT. [online] ChatGPT. Available at: https://chatgpt.com/.

YouTube. (2024). [Online] Available at: https://youtu.be/c1kq22FcU6c?si=nvGBDcfUTFjkIOB2 [Accessed 13/10/2024].