Monday, August 4, 2014
Chapter 6: Moving from Dialogue to Discussion and Decision Making
Over the years I have worked on honing my listening skills. I use to be, and there is still a part of me, that is already thinking about my response without fully being first an engaged listener. "Listening for understanding is the foundation for all the other tools. Without it, we don't know when to pause, what to paraphrase, or how to ask." (p.98). Based on the Tools for Talking found on p. 98, what do you find difficult and what do you find as a strength in your discussion toolbox?
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Out of the four tools for talking, I'd say "Inquire to focus and open thinking" is the most difficult for me especially if I don't feel comfortable or know the team I am working with. As a teacher new to Haley, this will be something I need to work on. In my past experiences, it seemed that when I did try to pose a question to open thinking, some teachers would quickly shoot down my ideas or get defensive. I will be honest, I fear confrontation so when this happens, I shut down. I really need to have a relationship or some common understanding with the team I am working with. It is possible that I didn't phrase my questions in a way that opened up dialogue. I will have to be more cognizant and use the language suggested in this chapter. "Listening without judgment" is a strength for me. I naturally listen to understand where a teacher is coming from. I always think that I'm still learning so I want to understand why and what brought that person to have a certain assumption or make a decision. To make sure I understand what someone is saying, I try to make a connection with what the speaker is saying.
ReplyDeleteMindy Haffner