Active listening skills are the topic of Lesson 5. Students are taught the importance of listening to others, particularly when conflict is present.

Active listening consists of:

· Stopping other activity to pay attention to the speaker

· Using attentive body language - eye contact, an interested expression

· Letting the speaker know you have really heard the message by:

1. Repetition - repeating back a few exact words that the speaker said - "I heard you say that 'running into me' was when the problem started."

2. Reflection - Making a statement that paraphrases what the speaker has said as well as the feelings expressed - " It sounds like you felt really angry when your mother brushed you off and wouldn't listen."

3. Interest interpretation - Telling the speaker what you have heard her interests to be - I'm hearing that you would feel respected (interests) if your mother paid attention when you talk to her."

Students have an opportunity to choose examples of good listening as shown in dispute scenarios in the lesson.