What communication skill is likely to improve when students practice paraphrasing in discussions?

When students practice paraphrasing in discussions, their active listening skills are likely to improve significantly. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said. Paraphrasing requires a student to listen attentively to another speaker's words and then rephrase those ideas in their own words. This not only shows that they have heard and understood the content but also encourages a deeper engagement with the material. As students become more adept at paraphrasing, they learn to focus on the speaker’s message rather than just the words, cultivating a more active participation in conversations and helping them to retain and process information effectively. This skill also fosters a more supportive and collaborative environment, as it demonstrates empathy and validation of the speaker's thoughts and feelings. Thus, through the practice of paraphrasing, students enhance their active listening abilities, leading to more constructive and meaningful discussions.