Module 3: Helping Skills – Communication, Active Listening and Empathy

Building on the previous module, this module focuses on developing active listening and empathy skills. You will learn how to engage effectively with young people, understand their perspectives, and respond with care and sensitivity, creating a supportive and trusting mentoring environment.

MQF/EQF: 4
ECTS Value: 1
Duration:
Contact Hours: 6
Self-Study Hours: 16
Assessment Hours: 3

Learning Outcomes:

Competences
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
– Communicate clearly the professional boundaries with the mentee
– Show empathy
– Listen actively
– Maintain confidentiality

Knowledge
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
– Models of communication
– Elements of non-verbal communication
– Using appropriate language styles and vocabulary
– Rules of confidentiality

Skills
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:- Ability to listen actively and openly
– Aptitude to express her/himself showing empathy
– Capability to adopt a non-judgemental attitude toward the mentee
– Ability to clearly explain the importance and limits of confidentiality
– Responding appropriately and always acting professionally with the mentee

Mode of Delivery

This course will have a mixed learning approach consisting of training seminars, role plays, and personal reflection.

Assessment

Attendance is compulsory since this module requires the active participation of the learners.
Participants will be assessed through participation and personal reflection on active listening and empathy while setting and abiding by the necessary boundaries. The trainers will be assessing the abilities and aptitude of each participant in relation to planning a healthy conversation with the mentee’s and the mentor’s perception of the role.

Each learner will keep a reflection journal of the sessions being delivered at the end of each session during this module. The purpose of the journal is to reflect on the participants’ reactions, insights and critical analyses.

Participants will be requested to share in a group on what they have attained during the sessions being delivered. For this module, t=in the reflection paper, the learner is expected to outline the communication skills gained in this module and to identify further skills that may need to be practised.