Full course description
Course summary:
Communication skills are at the heart of everything we do each day, whether at home, at work, or at play. Active listening encompasses the best of communication, including listening to what others are saying, processing the information, and responding to it in order to clarify and elicit more information. This course will help participants develop and practice their active listening skills.
Active listening includes listening to others, responding to the content and the feelings presented, and encouraging conversation through probing and questioning. You can enhance your active listening skills by understanding what a positive listening attitude looks like, knowing the basics of neuro linguistic programming, and being able to evaluate and respond to a variety of situations.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Define active listening and its key components.
- Identify ways to become a better listener.
- Use body language to reflect a positive listening attitude.
- Recognize the difference between sympathy and empathy, and when each is appropriate.
- Create a listening mindset using framing, positive intent, and focus.
- Be genuine in your communications.
- Describe the communication process.
- Ask questions, probe for information, and use paraphrasing techniques.
- Build relationships to create an authentic communication experience.
- Identify common listening problems and solutions.
Course topics include:
- Defining Active Listening
- Body Language Basics
- Attitude Is Everything
- Encouraging
- Getting Over Listening Problems
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Recommended background
No additional background knowledge or skills are required for this course.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University, with content provided by Velsoft.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.