Anonymous Answer

In today's world, communication is more important than ever. I solved a problem using my listening skills during a parent-teacher meeting that took place in Spanish. After we discussed the fact that her daughter's grades were slipping significantly, my student's mother described her situation at home. She told me that none of her daughter's previous teachers would listen to her because she did not speak any English. I used non-verbal cues such as maintaining eye contact, nodding my head and smiling, and consistently paraphrasing what was said. Once I understood that the mother's husband had lost his job several years prior to our meeting, I asked her if their family was moving around a great deal, if their daughter was sleeping and eating well, and if she had a quiet place to do her homework. By providing this feedback, my student's mother felt more at ease communicating. I expressed her concerns to my principal who contacted several social services agencies and a social worker in order to help the family. A few months after our meeting, my student's grades began to go up and she seemed to have more confidence in herself.