Frame of reference is a person's point of view. In order to communicate effectively, it is important to understand the other's perception of reality.

In empathic listening, the listener’s frame of reference is often different from yours.

Teachers therefore, need to be perceptive of students’ hopes, fears, realities, and difficulties. They need to adjust what they wish to communicate so it aligns with the student’s frame of reference, rather than their adult/teacher frame of reference.

What a student sees as reality is substantially different from what a teacher sees as reality – what is important to a teacher may be trivial to a student.