Active listening is a particular communication technique that requires the listener to provide feedback on what he or she hears to the speaker.
Source: Boundless. “The Importance of Listening.” Boundless Communications. Boundless, 21 Jul. 2015. Retrieved 12 Nov. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/communications/textbooks/boundless-communications-textbook/learning-to-listen-and-helping-others-do-the-same-5/understanding-listening-29/the-importance-of-listening-132-8285/