Applying active listening in practice

This section provides you with an audio clip of a mentor meeting. See if you can utilise the skills we've discussed in this module to identify where areas can be developed.

Throughout this module, you have explored the research underpinning active listening and considered the role listening plays in building trust, gathering evidence and supporting trainee reflection. This final activity provides an opportunity to apply these ideas to a realistic mentoring conversation.

As you listen, remember that effective listening is not simply about hearing what is said. Effective mentors also notice:

  • what is left unsaid;
  • changes in confidence;
  • assumptions being made;
  • opportunities to deepen reflection;
  • moments where advice is offered too quickly.

As you listen the conversation, imagine that you are observing a mentor meeting as a University Tutor or Lead Mentor.

Consider:

  • How effectively is the mentor listening?
  • What evidence is the mentor gathering?
  • What opportunities are being missed?

Activity

Using what you have learned throughout this module, review the conversation.

Jot down your responses to the following questions.

Question 1

Identify three examples where the mentor demonstrated effective listening.

  • Explain why these were effective.

Question 2

Identify at least five missed opportunities where the mentor could have listened more effectively.

  • What information might have been lost?

Question 3

Throughout the conversation, the trainee provides several verbal and non-verbal cues.

  • Identify as many as you can.
  • What might each cue suggest?
  • Consider both professional and emotional cues.

Question 4

  • At what points did the mentor move too quickly into problem solving?
  • How might remaining curious have improved the conversation?

 

Download this audio clip.Audio player: Mentor%20trainee%20conversation.mp3