My students are very responsive to my real life examples that I give them from my own experience. I feel this gives them some insight about what to do and not to do once they get out into the industry.
Erin,
Very good point. Many students "see" their career as what they want to see, but not actually as what it is.
Shelly Crider
I teach in a veterinary technology program. Many of my students are interested in this field initially because they have difficulty communicating with people and think that will deal primarily with animals. It is always a challenge to impress upon them how much they will actually have to communicate with people like pet owners, co-workers, veterinarians. etc. I give assignments requiring them to create educational material geared towards "clients" then have them present that information to people in other programs at our campus. It forces them to communicate with people but having the subject matter be things they are knowledgeaable on helps their confidence level going in.
Corey,
I like the fact that you tell your students to think before they speak. Excellent!
Shelly Crider
In my classes I demonstrate the importance of effective communication in many ways. Having the ability to deliver a message in a clear and concise manner is a necessary technique for any working business professional. Having the right posture and making eye contact are a couple skills that we often look over upon communicating with each other. If you are not sure what you need to say to someone then take the appropriate time to think about it and prepare ahead of time.
Wendy,
I like this! Many students are familiar with what they have grown up with, but not necessarily who they will be working with!
Shelly Crider
Arthur,
Makes me wonder what communication will be like 50 years from now!!
Shelly Crider
I present cross cultural differences in modes of communication and point out the danger of making assumptions regarding another person's values, belief system etc. Some of these examples are often extreme and/or humorous but it reminds students that we all see the world in a slightly different way and that it pays to put some effort into learning how another person views a particular situation.
I agree with the youth today it is all about technology and texting. they are not getting a lot of interactions with there peers for effective communication or how to be proficient in dealing with people face to face and in my industry as an educator this is a must.
Marlene,
I have found students do like a great debate!
Shelly Crider
Brittney,
Excellent point! This could even be a great discussion question for your online classes...."what type of communication will you see the minute you open the doors of a potential employer"
Shelly Crider
James,
Excellent post! Yes, as an oral communication instructor, you do have opportunities emphasize the various types of communication.
Shelly Crider
Vasheba,
Students need the extra communication activities. Good job!
Shelly Crider
One of the activities I incorporate in the classroom that enhances not only communication but also critical thinking, are debates.I split the class in half into pro and con sides.I act as the mediator.
Effective communication can be identified as soon as you step foot in a potential employers door. You will be judged on proper communication at not only your place of employment, but also at an interview for a potential job. In the trade that my students are preparing for they not only have to have good verbal communication skills, but also technical communication skills. I will identify to my students examples of different communication opportunities once their enter their field, from discussing patient care, sending correspondence through email, and adequately relaying information between staff members. Providing specific scenarios would help my students relate to the importance of appropriate communication.
Since I teach Oral Communication and English Comp., I have the unique opportunity to emphasize communication on many levels. I think, yes, nonverbal communication is an area that students really need to practice. Both presenter and listener can send negative signals through the use of body language. We do exercises and have discussions about the importance of nonverbal communication. And I totally agree: body language band verbal language go hand in hand in the overall communication matrix.
I illustrate effective communications skills to my students through classroom assignments. I am sure the provide examples of how comminications skills are necessary to be successful in their chosen professions. I do this through group in class activities and homework assignments.
Truitt,
Nice tip on active listening! It is good to see if a student is listening to others.
Shelly Crider
Ayanna ,
Modeling the behavior is a must! Thank you for mentioning this.
Shelly Crider
I usually try to listen in on student discussions of a subject for two reasons. One is to see if they have a grasp of the subject they are discussing. And two to see if they are effectively listening to each others point of view. If one student starts talking before another has completed I will temporarily halt the conversation and point out that although they are anxious to make their own point in the conversation, to effectively discuss it that they must be willing to let their counterparts finish.
