English Language Arts and Reading.3.1.A

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The student is expected to

listen actively, ask relevant questions to clarify information, and make pertinent comments;

oral language TEKS talk image

Knowledge and Skills Statement

Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: listening, speaking, discussion, and thinking -- oral language. The student develops oral language through listening, speaking, and discussion.

During a presentation by a peer in the classroom, encourage students to comment and ask questions to demonstrate their understanding of the information presented. Make anecdotal notes on relevant questions and comments shared by students to document which students have mastered the skill.

Behaviors to observe:

  • Students are looking at the presenter or otherwise engaged in the presentation.
  • Students are nodding or physically reacting to the information and presentation.
  • Students ask questions or make comments about the information being presented.

 

Further Explanation

For this assessment, students are required to show evidence of active listening and understanding of information through comments and questions. Students’ comments and questions should directly link to the content of the presentation. If a student is off topic, this may indicate that the student did not understand or misinterpreted the concepts discussed.

Students demonstrate that they are listening actively when they ask questions that focus on the topic under discussion and are intended to further their understanding. When students ask questions about what they are listening to, they deepen their own understanding by making connections and inquiring about related concepts and ideas.
Active listening requires students to be engaged with the speaker they are listening to and topic being discussed in order to understand the intended message. Students who listen actively have a purpose, engage with the speaker by asking questions and making comments, and demonstrate attentive nonverbal behavior such as making eye contact and nodding their heads.
In addition to asking questions, active listeners contribute to the discussion by making comments directly related to the topic being discussed. Relevant comments indicate that students are involved in the discussion and in learning. Pertinent comments are usually the result of an in-depth reflection or careful consideration. For example, students listening actively to a discussion about fables might comment by giving examples of fables or morals with which the students are familiar.

Research

1. Gray, S., Catts, H, Logan, J., & Pentimonti, J. (2017). Oral Language and Listening Comprehension: Same or Different Constructs? Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research,  60(5), 1273-1284. doi:10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-16-0039

Summary: Oral language and listening comprehension are part of the same oral language construction in PK through G3.

2. Ahmadi, S. M. (2016). The importance of listening comprehension in language learning. International Journal of Research in English Education,  9(6),123-133. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1101226.pdf

Summary: The study analyzes the importance of listening for learning, identifies 6 major problems that learners face, and provides 14 suggestions for overcoming listening comprehension challenges.