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4.4. Effective Listening Strategies and Role play

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Develop effective listening skills to understand and respond to healthcare interactions.
  • Practice note-taking and comprehension of healthcare-related audio materials.
  • Use healthcare teamwork vocabulary in context to improve speaking skills.
  • Collaborate in role-play scenarios to demonstrate clear communication and teamwork in healthcare settings.
  • Reflect on the importance of listening and speaking skills in healthcare and identify strategies for improvement.

Part 1: Warm up

Discuss the following questions with a partner or in small groups:

  • Why is effective listening crucial when interacting with patients and healthcare teams?
    Can you share an experience where listening played a key role in a healthcare setting?
    Write down one idea shared by your partner or group.
    Introduction to Effective Listening

Three Key Strategies for Effective Listening:

  • Focus on the speaker and avoid distractions.
  • Take notes on important points, keywords, and phrases.
  • Ask questions for clarification.

Part 2: Listening

Watch the video of a healthcare interaction (e.g., a doctor explaining a diagnosis to a patient). Use the note-taking template below to record key points.
Note-Taking Template:

Key Points Patient Concerns Doctor’s Responses Important Advice

After the video, compare your notes with a partner. Fill in any gaps.
Answer the following comprehension questions based on the video:

  • What was the main health concern discussed?
  • How did the doctor respond to the patient’s questions?
  • What important advice was given?

Students review their answers in pairs before a class discussion.

Group Discussion
Share your answers to the comprehension questions with the class.
Discuss the following:

  • What challenges did you face while listening to the video?
  • What did you learn about effective communication in healthcare?

Wrap-Up

  • What listening strategies did you find most useful today?
  • How can you apply these skills in future healthcare interactions?

Part 3: Vocabulary

Vocabulary Introduction
Review the following vocabulary words related to teamwork in healthcare:

Collaboration

Communication

Patient care

Roles and responsibilities

Conflict resolution

Write a sentence using each word in the context of healthcare teamwork:
Collaboration: _____________________________________________________
Communication: ___________________________________________________
Roles and responsibilities: ____________________________________________
Patient care: ______________________________________________________
Conflict resolution: _________________________________________________

Part 4: Role-Play Preparation

In small groups, choose a role-play scenario card provided by your instructor. Each card describes a specific situation requiring teamwork.

Example Scenarios:

  • A team meeting to discuss a patient’s treatment plan.
  • Resolving a conflict between a nurse and a doctor regarding patient care.
  • A pharmacist explaining medication instructions to a nurse and a patient.
  • Assign roles within your group (e.g., doctor, nurse, pharmacist, patient).

 

Write a brief script for your role-play. Use the vocabulary words introduced earlier.
Script Template:
Role 1: ____________________________________________
Role 2: ____________________________________________
Dialogue: ____________________________________________

Part 5: Role-Play Presentations

Present your role-play to the class. Focus on:

  • Clear communication.
  • Effective teamwork.
  • Using the vocabulary words in context.

After each presentation, provide peer feedback:

  • What did the group do well?
    • Your Answer: ____________________________________________
  • What could they improve?
    • Your Answer: ____________________________________________

Part 6: Group Discussion and Reflection

Discuss the following questions as a class:

  • What challenges did the teams face in their scenarios?
    • Your Answer: ____________________________________________
  • How did effective communication contribute to teamwork?
    • Your Answer: ____________________________________________
  • What strategies can healthcare teams use to improve collaboration?
    • Your Answer: ____________________________________________

Part 7: Wrap-Up and Feedback

Reflection Questions:

  • What is one thing you learned about teamwork in healthcare today?
    • Your Answer: ____________________________________________
  • How can you apply what you learned to your future role in healthcare?
    • Your Answer: ____________________________________________

License

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Basic Skills for Clinical Medical Assistant Copyright © 2025 by Montgomery College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.