Listening critically

Listening includes the development of critical thinking, leading eventually to the listener being able to evaluate not only the difference between literal and implied meaning but also a speaker’s attitude or bias.

The learning progressions in the strand Listen with Understanding include a progression for listening critically, which describes development from having a limited awareness of purpose and audience to having well-developed skills of reflection, analysis and evaluation. In order to listen critically, adult learners need first to be able to engage with oral texts at the literal level (for example, basic listening skills, including comprehension skills, are needed before the listener is in a position to be more critical about what they hear). This does not mean that critical listening has to wait for adult learners to be “ready” in some way. All adults will be able to relate to some of the ways in which spoken language (such as a powerful speech or a coaxing invitation) is used to achieve a particular purpose with a specific audience in mind.