IPEC Domain/Competency 

Communication

Sub-Competency

C5. Practice active listening that encourages ideas and opinions of other team members.

Goals and objectives

Gain knowledge of active listening skills

Materials

• Active Listening Worksheet 

Activity description

This active listening worksheet can be used before engaging participants in experiential activities aimed at practicing active listening skills. 

Debrief Questions

1. What active listening behaviors do you already use effectively, and which would you like to strengthen?
2. How does active listening help team members feel heard, respected, and valued?
3. What barriers can prevent effective listening in team settings, and how can they be addressed?
4. How might misunderstandings occur when team members listen to respond rather than listen to understand?
5. How can active listening improve communication, decision-making, and collaboration within interprofessional or interdisciplinary teams?
6. What is one active listening strategy you plan to apply in your future interactions with teammates, colleagues, or clients?

Optional Closing Reflection

Describe a time when being actively listened to—or not being listened to—affected a team interaction. What did you learn from that experience?

Source:

PositivePsychology.com

Suggested Citation: CHBS IPE and IDE Council. (2026). Listen Actively. CHBS IPE & IDE Instructional Toolkit. James Madison University.