The Importance of Listening

I think that the biggest mistake a teacher can make is to assume that students know how to listen. This is taken for granted and we get mad at students who don't listen. When any little thing can take away a child's attention, how can a teacher just expect that a child is listening? Attention skills are still developing in the elementary school years and in order for a child to listen, they need to pay attention. Listening and hearing are different things in that you may hear something but not be listening. To listen involves engagement of the child. In a world where everyone can choose to either hear or listen, to assume that listening is a skill that does not need to be taught is the worst mistake a teacher can make. Without listening, students will not understand the material because they are not processing the information.
As for propaganda and persuasion, it is very scary to think what it can make people believe. The commercials we viewed in class selling products and services prove how our society has used this tool for company and individual success. It is important for students to recognize this so they are not fooled into buying or doing anything inappropraite. This type of activity will help students realize that not everything can be true. It is important to research topics to get the facts and to hear both sides of the story before believing and/or supporting one side.