Listening is a complex process which involves a variety of integrated factors.  It requires the function of our senses and cognitive processes for the reception of sounds.  Listening encompasses not only the individual requirements of the speaker and listener but environmental requirements as well.  The integration of these multiple factors allows for attentive hearing and the processing of information from what is heard.

The main principles involved in listening include:

Attention

To be able to listen the student has to want to listen, to be engaged and attentive 2, 18, ,56, 73.

Within the classroom setting many class activities involve listening to questions, instructions and directions. Therefore it is vital to each student’s success that he/she pays and maintains attention.

Language

In order for listening to occur, the student must first understand the information that is being presented.  The type of language, including structure and vocabulary, that the teacher utilises is one of the central elements in assisting the student’s comprehension, and in turn, their desire to listen and concentrate in the classroom.

Memory

There are many components that allow a person to listen effectively and working memory is vital for these components to function properly.

When we listen, we follow a succession of steps that occur almost simultaneously and in a fraction of a second 12. When a person speaks to us, we are initially reliant on our hearing, this then begins a chain of events that includes auditory processing and comprehension. Working memory then retains information in the short-term storage area and then the rehearsal area allowing time for us to process the sounds, determine that we recognise them (have heard them before), decode the sounds (what is being said) and understand (comprehend and apply meaning to) what is being said to us 12, 48, 49

Environment