Abstract
Teaching listening skills in today's classroom environments is often misunderstood or completely omitted. Each classroom contains a unique set of listening barriers that affect learning and cause undesired outcomes for both the student and the instructor. In an effort to alleviate these barriers, tailored listening skills assignments for each classroom provide instructors with the tools to enhance student learning. This introduction establishes a framework for understanding how listening skill assignments can increase critical thinking and effect positive student learning outcomes within the classroom environment.