What is Active listening?

Defining Active listening: Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It is made up of three components;
Hearing
Interpreting
Assigning a contextual meaning.

The Process of listening is organized into three steps not because I say so but, due to the biological process which regulates listening.
The proof of good listening is an appropriate response.
- Judi Brownell
Most of us would not differentiate between hearing and listening. This is mostly due to the conditioning that all of us go through in the school which says Ear is for Hearing
There is a big difference. You can hear the noise, but you have to listen ....