Reflective listening

Why should I do it:

Helps students to feel they have been heard and understood
Improves student buy in and participation
Improves student/teacher communication
Builds student/teacher rapport
Helps students feel validated
Makes students more likely to share and discuss things with teachers
Gives students positive attention
Provides clarification
Improves students cooperation and compliance
 

When should I do it:

All the time with all students and parents
 

How do I do it:

Simply stated, reflective listening is when you listen to what someone says and repeat it back to them so they know you heard and understood them
The links below will help to further explain, give examples, and ideas for using reflective listening with students, parents, and other teachers