Which of the following techniques would encourage active listening during a productive discussion?

a. asking open-ended questions

b. avoiding points of mutual agreement

c. assuming common background knowledge

d. saving your proposal or claim until the end of the discussion

D. Saving your proposal or claim until the end of the discussion

Explanation:

Active listening is a technique and strategy specific to human communication. Based on the work of Carl Rogers, it is used in fields such as nursing, psychotherapy and conflict resolution. In 2002, Rost defined it as «a generic term to define a series of behaviors and attitudes that prepare the listener to listen, to concentrate on the person speaking and to provide answers (feedback)». It also implies, among other aspects, offering availability and showing interest in the person speaking. Active listening consists of a form of communication that demonstrates to the speaker that the listener has understood him / her. It refers to the ability to listen not only what the person is expressing directly, but also the feelings, ideas or thoughts that underlie what is being said.

Active listening is understood as an indispensable part of any communicative context, but it is in the educational field where it has an extreme importance, and is that if this strategy is not used (by the receiver) in a teaching-learning process, it is impossible that this occurs favorably.