This protocol is used to create a safe space for students and teachers to become better at listening and talking in depth. It enables the speaker to be heard uninterrupted and the listener to be aware of their role in supporting the speaker. Directions can be found below, and a slide to guide participants through Constructivist Listening can be found in the Attachments section.
1. Introduce a prompt to the group.
2. Have people pair up.
3. Each person is given two minutes to respond to the prompt. The person who is listening should not interrupt or respond to the speaker during their 2 minutes. Prompts can vary based on purpose of the activity. Some example questions are:
- When is the last time you remembered being fully listened too? How did it feel?
- Growing up, what was your experience as a learner? What felt supportive? What interfered with your learning?
- How did race, class, or gender impact your experience as a learner in school?
4. Thank your partner for listening.
5. After the pair shares, reflect out to the rest of the group:
- What came up for you using this structure? What came up for you reflecting on the prompt?
- What worked for you? What was difficult for you?
- What purpose do you think it might serve?
- When could it be useful?
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