Empathetic Listening Reflection
Ken Breeding
Personal Reflection
Reflection is a critical component of effective teaching practice. For future educators, taking time to think intentionally about experiences, decisions, and student interactions helps deepen understanding and strengthen instructional skills. The reflection prompts included in this appendix are designed to support ongoing professional growth by encouraging thoughtful consideration of classroom practices, student needs, and personal teaching beliefs.
These prompts can be used in a variety of ways, individually, in small group discussions, or as part of coursework assignments. They are intended to guide preservice teachers in making connections between theory and practice, identifying areas for growth, and developing a reflective mindset that supports continuous improvement.
Exercises
As you engage with these prompts, focus on being honest, specific, and open to new perspectives. Reflection is not about finding the “right” answer, but about developing awareness and insight that will inform your future work with children in diverse and dynamic classroom settings.
- Recall a time as a child when you experienced some strong feelings about something, and the adults in your life dismissed your feelings.
- This is done often and in so many ways. Maybe they just didn’t listen at all or pay attention to the situation. Maybe they directly contradicted your experience and told you that it wasn’t that bad, that so many others are worse off, or just directly told you that you should just forget it and be happy.
- Remember a time when you did feel heard and accepted for whatever you were feeling by an adult in your life.
- How did they allow you to feel seen and heard?
- What was the effect of their acceptance?
- How did these different experiences affect you?
- Where are your personal areas of strength as a listener?
- Where is your growing edge?
- Your area of growth?
- What would you like to become better at in your ability to fully listen to others?
