Student Listening Inventory

Listening Behavior

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5

1. When someone is speaking to me, I purposely block out distractions such as side conversations and personal problems.

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5

1. I am comfortable asking questions when I do not understand something a speaker has said.

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3

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5

1. When a speaker uses words I do not know, I jot them down and look them up later.

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5

1. I assess a speaker’s credibility while listening.

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5

1. I paraphrase or summarize a speaker’s main ideas in my head as I listen.

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5

1. I concentrate on a speaker’s main ideas rather than the specific details.

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5

1. I try to understand people who speak indirectly as well as I understand those who speak directly.

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5

1. Before reaching a conclusion, I try to confirm with a speaker my understanding of his or her message.

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5

1. I concentrate on understanding a speaker’s message when he or she is explaining a complex idea.

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5

1. When listening, I devote my full attention to a speaker’s message.

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4

5

1. When listening to someone from another culture, I factor in my knowledge of cultural differences to interpret meaning.

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5

1. I watch a speaker’s facial expressions and body language for additional information about the speaker’s meaning.

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5

1. I encourage speakers by providing positive nonverbal feedback – nods, eye contact, and vocalized agreement.

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5

1. When others are speaking to me, I establish eye contact and stop doing other nonrelated tasks.

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4

5

1. I avoid tuning out speakers when I disagree with or dislike their message.

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4

5

1. When I have an emotional response to a speaker or the message, I try to set aside my feelings and continue listening.

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5

1. I try to match my nonverbal responses to my verbal responses.

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4

5

1. When someone begins speaking, I focus my attention on the message.

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5

1. I try to understand how past experiences influence the ways in which I interpret a message.

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4

5

1. I attempt to eliminate outside interruptions and distractions.

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4

5

1. When I listen, I look at the speaker, maintain some eye contact, and focus on the message.

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4

5

1. I avoid tuning out messages that are complex, complicated, and challenging.

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5

1. I try to understand the other person’s point of view when it is different from mine.

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5

1. I try to be nonjudgmental and noncritical when I listen.

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5

1. As appropriate, I self-disclose a similar amount of personal information as the other person shares with me.

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5

Score

Interpretation

0-62

You perceive yourself to be a poor classroom listener. Attention to all of the items on the inventory could improve your listening effectiveness.

63-86

You perceive yourself to be an adequate listener in the classroom. Learning more about listening and listening skills could improve your overall listening effectiveness.

87-111

You perceive yourself to be a good listener in the classroom, but you could still improve your listening skills.

112-125

You perceive yourself to be an outstanding listener in the classroom.