In previous editions of Connections, I have highlighted our District 117 Portrait of a Graduate which identifies six competencies we want our students to develop during their four years in our schools. These competencies—Communicates, Collaborates, Is Emotionally Intelligent, Is Courageous, Thinks Critically, and Embraces Diversity—serve as the “north star” for our programming, curriculum, and instruction at District 117.
For this edition, I would like to highlight the “Collaborates” competency and our definition that challenges us to support a District 117 graduate who “Actively listens to discover mutual understanding by providing and receiving feedback with a specific focus on active listening.” What might this look like in our classes at ACHS and LCHS?
In an English class, students might engage in peer review sessions where they read each other’s essays and provide constructive feedback. During these sessions, students learn to listen attentively to their peers’ perspectives, ask clarifying questions, and offer thoughtful suggestions. This process not only improves their writing but also builds their ability to communicate effectively and empathetically.
In a Science classroom, collaboration often involves group projects or experiments. Here, students must listen carefully to their teammates to understand different hypotheses and approaches. For example, during a lab experiment on chemical reactions, students might debate the best method to achieve a specific outcome. By actively listening and integrating feedback, they can refine their experiments, leading to more accurate and shared conclusions.
In our Social Studies courses, discussions are common. Students might be tasked with exploring historical events from multiple perspectives. During a debate on the causes of a significant historical event, students practice active listening by acknowledging their peers’ viewpoints, responding respectfully, and incorporating diverse perspectives into their arguments. These civil conversations not only deepen students’ understanding of history, but also foster a respectful and inclusive classroom environment.
Active listening, integral to collaboration, nurtures a classroom culture where every student feels heard and valued. It prepares our students to engage constructively in diverse teams and communities beyond school, reinforcing our mission to ignite passion and discovery in every student!
Jeff Feucht, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Community High School District 117
